Evaluation of a 2% chlorhexidine gluconate in 70% isopropyl alcohol skin disinfectant.
The efficacy of a new skin disinfectant, 2% (w/v) chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) in 70% (v/v) isopropyl alcohol (IPA) (ChloraPrep), was compared with five commonly used skin disinfectants against Staphylococcus epidermidis RP62A in the presence or absence of protein, utilizing quantitative time-kill suspension and carrier tests. All six disinfectants [70% (v/v) IPA, 0.5% (w/v) aqueous CHG, 2% (w/v) aqueous CHG, 0.5% (w/v) CHG in 70% (v/v) IPA and 10% (w/v) aqueous povidone iodine (PI)] achieved a log(10) reduction factor of 5, in colony-forming units/mL, in a suspension test (exposure time 30s) in the presence and absence of 10% human serum. Subsequent challenges of S. epidermidis RP62A in a biofilm (with and without human serum) demonstrated reduced bactericidal activity. Overall, the most effective skin disinfectants tested against S. epidermidis RP62A were 2% (w/v) CHG in 70% IPA and 10% (w/v) PI. These results suggest that enhanced skin antisepsis may be achieved with 2% (w/v) CHG in 70% (v/v) IPA compared with the three commonly used CHG preparations [0.5% (w/v) aqueous CHG, 2% (w/v) aqueous CHG and 0.5% (w/v) CHG in 70% (v/v) IPA].
Adams
D
D
Microbiology Research and Development Group, University Hospital Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Edgbaston, UK. debbie.adams@uhb.nhs.uk
Quayum
M
M
Worthington
T
T
Lambert
P
P
Elliott
T
T
D019840:2-Propanol / Q000494:pharmacology*; D018441:Biofilms / Q000187:drug effects; D002710:Chlorhexidine / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000494:pharmacology; D015169:Colony Count, Microbial; D003140:Communicable Disease Control / Q000379:methods; D004202:Disinfectants / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006801:Humans; D012867:Skin / Q000382:microbiology*; D013212:Staphylococcus epidermidis / Q000187:drug effects*
D004202:Disinfectants; C010882:chlorhexidine gluconate; D019840:2-Propanol; D002710:Chlorhexidine