povidone-iodine and Cross-Infection

This review aims to provide relevant, aggregate information about a variety of disinfectants and antiseptics, along with potential utility and limitations. While not exhaustive, this review's goal is to add to the body of literature available on this topic and give interventional providers and practitioners an additional resource to consider when performing procedures.. In the current SARS-CoV2 epidemiological environment, infection control and costs associated with healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) are of paramount importance. Even before the onset of SARS-CoV2, HAIs affected nearly 2million patients a year in the USA and resulted in nearly 90,000 deaths, all of which resulted in a cost to hospitals ranging from US$28 billion to 45 billion. The onset SARS-CoV2, though not spread by an airborne route, has heightened infection control protocols in hospitals and, as such, cast a renewed focus on disinfectants and their utility across different settings and organisms. The aim of this review is to provide a comprehensive overview of disinfectants used in the inpatient setting.

Topics: Chlorine Compounds; Cross Infection; Disinfectants; Ethanol; Formaldehyde; Glutaral; Humans; Hydrogen Peroxide; Iodophors; Oxides; Peracetic Acid; Phenol; Povidone-Iodine; Quaternary Ammonium Compounds; Sodium Hypochlorite; Triazines

Infections of contaminated or colonised acute or chronic wounds remain a grave risk for patients even today. Despite modern surgical debridement concepts and antibiotics, a great need exists for new therapies in wound management. Since the late 1990s, advantageous effects of negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) have been combined with local antiseptic wound cleansing in the development of NPWT with instillation (NPWTi). This article summarises the current scientific knowledge on this topic. MEDLINE literature searches were performed on the subject of negative pressure wound and instillation therapy covering publications from the years 1990 to 2013 (36 peer-reviewed citations) and regarding randomised controlled trials (RCTs) covering wound care with bone involvement (27 publications) or soft-tissue wounds without bone participation (11 publications) from 2005 to 2012. The use of NPWTi in the therapy of infected wounds appears to be not yet widespread, and literature is poor and inhomogeneous. However, some reports indicate an outstanding benefit of NPWTi for patients, using antiseptics such as polyhexanide (concentration 0·005-0·04%) and acetic acid (concentration 0·25-1%) in acute and chronic infected wounds and povidone-iodine (10% solution) as prophylaxis in contaminated wounds with potential viral infection. Soaking times are recommended to be 20 minutes each, using cycle frequencies of four to eight cycles per day. Additionally, the prophylactic use of NPWTi with these substances can be recommended in contaminated wounds that cannot be closed primarily with surgical means. Although first recommendations may be given currently, there is a great need for RCTs and multicentre studies to define evidence-based guidelines for an easier approach to reach the decision on how to use NPWTi.

Topics: Acetic Acid; Anti-Infective Agents, Local; Biguanides; Cross Infection; Evidence-Based Medicine; Humans; Negative-Pressure Wound Therapy; Povidone-Iodine; Surgical Wound Infection; Therapeutic Irrigation; Wound Infection; Wounds and Injuries

Aerobic and facultatively anaerobic gram-negative bacilli (AGNB) are opportunistic pathogens and continue to cause a large number of hospital-acquired infections. AGNB residing in the oral cavity and oropharynx have been linked to nosocomial pneumonia and septicemia. Although AGNB are not considered members of the normal oral and oropharyngeal flora, medically compromised patients have been demonstrated to be susceptible to AGNB colonization.. A literature search was conducted to retrieve articles that evaluated the effectiveness of oral hygiene interventions in reducing the oral and oropharyngeal carriage of AGNB in medically compromised patients.. Few studies have documented the use of mechanical oral hygiene interventions alone against AGNB. Although a number of studies have employed oral hygiene interventions complemented by antiseptic agents such as chlorhexidine and povidone iodine, there appears to be a discrepancy between their in vitro and in vivo effectiveness.. With the recognition of the oral cavity and oropharynx as a reservoir of AGNB and the recent emergence of multidrug and pandrug resistance in hospital settings, there is a pressing need for additional high-quality randomized controlled trials to determine which oral hygiene interventions or combination of interventions are most effective in eliminating or reducing AGNB carriage.

Topics: Anti-Infective Agents, Local; Bacteria, Aerobic; Bacteria, Anaerobic; Chlorhexidine; Cross Infection; Gram-Negative Bacteria; Humans; Mouth; Oral Hygiene; Oropharynx; Pneumonia, Bacterial; Povidone-Iodine

Nosocomial infections are among the leading causes of mortality and morbidity in neonatal intensive care units. Prevention of healthcare-associated infections is based on strategies that aim to limit susceptibility to infections by enhancing host defences, interrupting trasmission of organisms by healthcare workers and by promoting the judicious use of antimicrobials. Strategies for the prevention of nosocomial infections include hand hygiene practices, prevention of central venous (cvc)-related bloodstream infections, judicious use of antimicrobials for therapy, enhancement of host defences, skin care and early enteral feeding with human milk. Major concerns about the use of alcoholic chlorhexidine are for the high risk of skin burns in extremely premature infants during the first days of life, when the skin is thin and not fully keratinesed. Aqueous chlorhexidine could be less irritant when used in very low birthweigth infants and thus could represent a good option. A recent prospective trial of adult patients showed similar effectiveness of alcoholic and aqueos solutions of chlorexidine. However, to date no study evaluated whether the aqueos formulation is less harmful and as effective as the alcoholic formulation in neonatal infants. The lack of evidence for neonatal patients prompts urgent need for large randomised controlled trials comparing effectiveness and safety of different skin disinfectants before CVC placement in neonates and particulary in very low birth-weight infants. Nosocomial infections are still of the most serious problems for the neonatal intensive care unit. Therefore every effort must be implemented to reduce the incidence of these infections, can not be considered a toll required hospitalization, as it may not be acceptable for a place of shelter and care as the hospital may itself be a source of disease.

Topics: Adult; Alcohols; Anti-Infective Agents, Local; Bacterial Infections; Catheter-Related Infections; Chlorhexidine; Contraindications; Cross Infection; Hand Disinfection; Humans; Hypothyroidism; Incidence; Infant, Newborn; Infant, Premature; Infant, Premature, Diseases; Infant, Very Low Birth Weight; Infection Control; Infectious Disease Transmission, Professional-to-Patient; Intensive Care, Neonatal; Povidone-Iodine; Skin; Skin Absorption; Solvents; Water

Patient care in hospitals often involves insertion of a non-tunneled central venous catheter for administering drugs, intravenous solutions, or total parenteral nutrition. Every change of dressing must be carried out in an appropriate fashion in order to reduce the risk of bacterial infection. We reviewed the existent literature in order to make a listof recommended disinfectants, type of dressings and intervals between dressing changes of a central venous catheter. A comparison was drawn between the guidelines of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Robert Koch-Institut (RKI) issued in 2002 with those more recently published. Our search showed that chlorhexidine gluconate (from 0.5 to 2 percent), povidone-iodine (from 5 to 10 percent) or alcohol (70 percent) are the recommended disinfecting agents. The recommended dressing is gauze or transparent steam-permeable polyurethane dressings. Intervals between dressing changes varied between once a day and once in seven days, depending on the nature of the dressing applied.

Topics: 2-Propanol; Bacteremia; Bacterial Infections; Bandages; Catheterization, Central Venous; Chlorhexidine; Cross Infection; Disinfectants; Humans; Occlusive Dressings; Povidone-Iodine; Practice Guidelines as Topic

For 150 years members of the surgical team have been washing their hands with solutions designed to remove micro-organisms and therefore reduce surgical site infections in patients. This article discusses the evidence surrounding aspects of surgical hand antisepsis.

Topics: 2-Propanol; Administration, Cutaneous; Anti-Infective Agents, Local; Antisepsis; Chlorhexidine; Cross Infection; Evidence-Based Medicine; Hand Disinfection; Humans; Infection Control; Povidone-Iodine; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Soaps; Time Factors

This review summarizes the natural history, clinical relevance and basis of control of Staphylococcus aureus infection in UK hospitals, stressing the central role of asymptomatic carriage by patients and staff in persistence of this prolific and versatile nosocomial pathogen. The clinical relevance of methicillin-resistant and methicillin-sensitive S. aureus (MRSA and MSSA) is considered in terms of prevalence and spectrum of invasive and toxigenic infections produced, correlated with host and parasite risk factors. An assessment is made of arguments why the acquisition of methicillin-resistance or multiple antibiotic resistance might justify more than conventional methods of containment and how the control policy is influenced by the expression of enhanced virulence and epidemicity. Guidelines for control of epidemic MRSA (EMRSA) are discussed with reference to justification, feasibility and efficacy. As elimination of carriage is crucial to the success of any rational control policy the relative merits of topical antibiotics and antiseptic agents are compared. The bacterial efficacy of povidone-iodine, chlorhexidine and mupirocin are evaluated as a basis for eradication of MRSA.

Topics: Carrier State; Chlorhexidine; Cross Infection; Humans; Methicillin Resistance; Mupirocin; Povidone-Iodine; Staphylococcal Infections; Staphylococcus aureus

Nursing home residents are at high risk for infection, hospitalization, and colonization with multidrug-resistant organisms.. We performed a cluster-randomized trial of universal decolonization as compared with routine-care bathing in nursing homes. The trial included an 18-month baseline period and an 18-month intervention period. Decolonization entailed the use of chlorhexidine for all routine bathing and showering and administration of nasal povidone-iodine twice daily for the first 5 days after admission and then twice daily for 5 days every other week. The primary outcome was transfer to a hospital due to infection. The secondary outcome was transfer to a hospital for any reason. An intention-to-treat (as-assigned) difference-in-differences analysis was performed for each outcome with the use of generalized linear mixed models to compare the intervention period with the baseline period across trial groups.. Data were obtained from 28 nursing homes with a total of 28,956 residents. Among the transfers to a hospital in the routine-care group, 62.2% (the mean across facilities) were due to infection during the baseline period and 62.6% were due to infection during the intervention period (risk ratio, 1.00; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.96 to 1.04). The corresponding values in the decolonization group were 62.9% and 52.2% (risk ratio, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.79 to 0.88), for a difference in risk ratio, as compared with routine care, of 16.6% (95% CI, 11.0 to 21.8; P<0.001). Among the discharges from the nursing home in the routine-care group, transfer to a hospital for any reason accounted for 36.6% during the baseline period and for 39.2% during the intervention period (risk ratio, 1.08; 95% CI, 1.04 to 1.12). The corresponding values in the decolonization group were 35.5% and 32.4% (risk ratio, 0.92; 95% CI, 0.88 to 0.96), for a difference in risk ratio, as compared with routine care, of 14.6% (95% CI, 9.7 to 19.2). The number needed to treat was 9.7 to prevent one infection-related hospitalization and 8.9 to prevent one hospitalization for any reason.. In nursing homes, universal decolonization with chlorhexidine and nasal iodophor led to a significantly lower risk of transfer to a hospital due to infection than routine care. (Funded by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality; Protect ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT03118232.).

Topics: Administration, Cutaneous; Administration, Intranasal; Anti-Infective Agents, Local; Asymptomatic Infections; Baths; Chlorhexidine; Cross Infection; Hospitalization; Humans; Nursing Homes; Patient Transfer; Povidone-Iodine; Skin Care

Since the patient's skin is a major source of pathogens that cause surgical-site infection, optimization of preoperative skin antisepsis may decrease postoperative infections. We hypothesized that preoperative skin cleansing with chlorhexidine-alcohol is more protective against infection than is povidone-iodine.. We randomly assigned adults undergoing clean-contaminated surgery in six hospitals to preoperative skin preparation with either chlorhexidine-alcohol scrub or povidone-iodine scrub and paint. The primary outcome was any surgical-site infection within 30 days after surgery. Secondary outcomes included individual types of surgical-site infections.. A total of 849 subjects (409 in the chlorhexidine-alcohol group and 440 in the povidone-iodine group) qualified for the intention-to-treat analysis. The overall rate of surgical-site infection was significantly lower in the chlorhexidine-alcohol group than in the povidone-iodine group (9.5% vs. 16.1%; P=0.004; relative risk, 0.59; 95% confidence interval, 0.41 to 0.85). Chlorhexidine-alcohol was significantly more protective than povidone-iodine against both superficial incisional infections (4.2% vs. 8.6%, P=0.008) and deep incisional infections (1% vs. 3%, P=0.05) but not against organ-space infections (4.4% vs. 4.5%). Similar results were observed in the per-protocol analysis of the 813 patients who remained in the study during the 30-day follow-up period. Adverse events were similar in the two study groups.. Preoperative cleansing of the patient's skin with chlorhexidine-alcohol is superior to cleansing with povidone-iodine for preventing surgical-site infection after clean-contaminated surgery. (ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00290290.)

Topics: 2-Propanol; Adult; Analysis of Variance; Anti-Infective Agents, Local; Antisepsis; Chlorhexidine; Cross Infection; Drug Combinations; Female; Humans; Kaplan-Meier Estimate; Logistic Models; Male; Middle Aged; Polymerase Chain Reaction; Povidone-Iodine; Risk Factors; Skin; Surgical Wound Infection

To compare the effectiveness for prevention of central venous and arterial catheter colonization of 3 skin antisepsis with 1 of 3 antiseptic solutions: 10% aqueous povidone iodine (aqueous PI), 2% aqueous chlorhexidine gluconate (aqueous CG), and 0.5% alcoholic chlorhexidine gluconate (alcoholic CG).. Prospective, randomized controlled trial.. Intensive care unit in a teaching hospital.. Patients were randomly assigned to 1 of the 3 skin antisepsis groups. The distal tips of catheters were semiquantitatively cultured when the catheters were no longer necessary or if there was a suspicion of catheter-related infection. Rates of catheter colonization, catheter-related sepsis, and catheter-related bacteremia were compared among the 3 groups.. A total of 631 catheters were included in the study (194 from the aqueous PI group, 211 from the aqueous CG group, and 226 from the alcoholic CG group). The incidence of catheter colonization was significantly lower in the alcoholic CG than in the aqueous PI group (14.2% vs 24.7%; relative risk, 0.5 [95% confidence interval, 0.3-0.8; P < .01]); it was also significantly lower in the aqueous CG group than in the aqueous PI group (16.1% vs 24.7%; relative risk, 0.6 [95% confidence interval, 0.4-0.9; P = .03]). There were no significant differences between the aqueous CG and the alcoholic CG groups. Incidences of catheter-related bacteremia were similar for all 3 groups. The aqueous and alcoholic CG solutions were superior to the aqueous PI solution in preventing catheter colonization due to gram-positive bacteria.. The aqueous and alcoholic CG solutions for cutaneous antisepsis were similarly effective in preventing colonization of central venous catheters and arterial catheters. Both had significantly lower incidences of colonization than did the aqueous PI solution; this effect seems to be related to the CG solutions' more efficacious prevention of colonization with gram-positive bacteria.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Anti-Infective Agents, Local; Antisepsis; Bacteremia; Catheterization, Central Venous; Catheters, Indwelling; Chlorhexidine; Cross Infection; Equipment Contamination; Female; Gram-Negative Bacteria; Gram-Positive Bacteria; Hospitals, Teaching; Humans; Incidence; Intensive Care Units; Male; Middle Aged; Povidone-Iodine; Prospective Studies; Sepsis; Treatment Outcome

We describe a randomized blinded study to evaluate the antimicrobial persistence following saline exposure of 2 commercially available skin antiseptic agents. One agent contained iodine povacrylex in alcohol and the second contained chlorhexidine gluconate in alcohol.. Both agents were applied to the forearms of 36 healthy subjects according to manufacturers' instructions and allowed to dry. The sites were then exposed to either a saline rinse or to a saline-saturated gauze, similar to the challenges that preps would face during most surgical procedures. Two analyses were performed: (1) An indicator organism was seeded onto the treated sites. After 30 minutes, samples were collected from the treated sites and surviving bacterial colonies were enumerated and log reductions calculated. (2) The saline-saturated gauze was analyzed chemically for presence of chlorhexidine or iodine.. The baseline densities (stated as logarithms of colony forming units "log CFU") of the sites to which the agents were applied had statistically equivalent microbial densities. Both agents reduced the density of organisms in a statistically significant manner. Chemical analysis of the gauze samples indicated that 35 of 36 samples had detectable chlorhexidine while no samples had detectable iodine (P < .0001).. The results indicate that chlorhexidine is removed by saline-soaked gauze while the iodine povacrylex water-insoluble film remains intact under the same conditions. The implication is that similar results may occur in surgery when saline is used.

Topics: Adult; Anti-Infective Agents, Local; Antisepsis; Chlorhexidine; Colony Count, Microbial; Cross Infection; Female; Forearm; Hand Disinfection; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Povidone-Iodine; Preoperative Care; Sodium Chloride; Surgical Wound Infection

Although chlorhexidine-based solutions and alcohol-based povidone-iodine have been shown to be more efficient than aqueous povidone-iodine for skin disinfection at catheter insertion sites, their abilities to reduce catheter-related infection have never been compared.. Consecutively scheduled central venous catheters inserted into jugular or subclavian veins were randomly assigned to be disinfected with 5% povidone-iodine in 70% ethanol or with a combination of 0.25% chlorhexidine gluconate, 0.025% benzalkonium chloride, and 4% benzylic alcohol. Solutions were used for skin disinfection before catheter insertion (2 consecutive 30-second applications separated by a period sufficiently long to allow for dryness) and then as single applications during subsequent dressing changes (every 72 hours, or earlier if soiled or wet).. Of 538 catheters randomized, 481 (89.4%) produced evaluable culture results. Compared with povidone-iodine, the chlorhexidine-based solution was associated with a 50% decrease in the incidence of catheter colonization (11.6% vs 22.2% [P = .002]; incidence density, 9.7 vs 18.3 per 1000 catheter-days) and with a trend toward lower rates of catheter-related bloodstream infection (1.7% vs 4.2% [P = .09]; incidence density, 1.4 vs 3.4 per 1000 catheter-days). Independent risk factors for catheter colonization were catheter insertion into the jugular vein (adjusted relative risk, 2.01; 95% confidence interval, 1.24-3.24) and use of povidone-iodine (adjusted relative risk, 1.87; 95% confidence interval, 1.18-2.96).. Chlorhexidine-based solutions should be considered as a replacement for povidone-iodine (including alcohol-based) formulations in efforts to prevent catheter-related infection.

Topics: Anti-Infective Agents, Local; Catheterization, Central Venous; Chi-Square Distribution; Chlorhexidine; Cross Infection; Equipment Contamination; Female; Humans; Jugular Veins; Male; Middle Aged; Povidone-Iodine; Risk Factors; Subclavian Vein

A meta-analysis and cost-effectiveness analysis of randomized controlled trials comparing chlorhexidine gluconate with povidone-iodine solutions for venous catheter site care found that the use of chlorhexidine gluconate significantly reduced the risk for catheter-related bloodstream infections and that it was cost-effective. The objective of the study was to implement locally formulated chlorhexidine gluconate for central venous catheter (CVC) site care in intensive care units (ICUs) at Siriraj Hospital.. The study was conducted in 312 subjects who needed CVC insertions in 3 ICUs from January to July 2006. One hundred twenty subjects received 2% chlorhexidine gluconate in 70% alcohol, whereas 192 subjects received 10% povidone-iodine as the antiseptic solution for CVC site care. The patients were assessed for CVC-related infections and for any adverse effects of 2% chlorhexidine gluconate in 70% alcohol.. The incidence of CRBSIs in the indwelling CVC subjects who received 2% chlorhexidine gluconate in 70% alcohol was less than those who received 10% povidone-iodine during the same period, 3.2 versus 5.6 episodes per 1000 CVC days, respectively (P= .06; OR, 3.26; 95% CI: 0.97-10.92). No adverse effects related to using 2% chlorhexidine gluconate in 70% alcohol were observed.. The locally formulated 2% chlorhexidine gluconate in 70% alcohol was safe, effective, and efficient for CVC site care in ICUs at Siriraj Hospital.

Topics: Academic Medical Centers; Anti-Infective Agents, Local; Bacteremia; Catheterization, Central Venous; Catheters, Indwelling; Chlorhexidine; Cross Infection; Female; Humans; Infection Control; Intensive Care Units; Male; Povidone-Iodine; Practice Guidelines as Topic; Prospective Studies; Thailand

Central venous catheter (CVC)-related infections may be caused by micro-organisms introduced from the skin surface into deeper tissue at the time of CVC insertion. The optimal disinfection regimen to avoid catheter-related infections has not yet been defined. This study compares three different approaches.. Prospective randomised trial.. A tertiary care hospital.. One hundred nineteen patients scheduled electively to receive 140 CVCs.. Skin disinfection was performed with either povidone-iodine 10% (PVP-iodine), chlorhexidine 0.5%/propanol 70%, or chlorhexidine 0.5%/propanol 70% followed by PVP-iodine 10%. Prior to disinfection, a swab from the site of insertion was taken for culture. CVCs were removed if no longer needed or infection was suspected. All catheters were cultured quantitatively after removal.. Bacteria could be isolated from 20.7% of the catheter tips. Bacterial growth was found in 30.8% of the catheters placed after skin disinfection with povidone-iodine, in 24.4% after disinfection with propanol/chlorhexidine and in 4.7% after disinfection with propanol/chlorhexidine followed by povidone-iodine ( p=0.006). In 15 cases, the same organism was isolated from the skin swab and the catheter tip. Ten of these paired isolates showed the same pattern in a pulsed-field gel electrophoresis analysis.. Skin disinfection with propanol/chlorhexidine followed by PVP-iodine was superior in the prevention of microbial CVC colonisation compared to either of the regimens alone. These results support the concept that catheter infections can originate from bacterial translocation at the time of catheter insertion.

Topics: 1-Propanol; Anti-Infective Agents, Local; Bacterial Infections; Catheterization, Central Venous; Chlorhexidine; Cross Infection; Disinfection; Equipment Contamination; Female; Germany; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Povidone-Iodine; Prospective Studies; Skin

To compare effectiveness in preventing central venous catheter colonization and infection of two protocols of cutaneous antisepsis using povidone-iodine solution in combination with ethanol or water.. Randomized trial.. Medical intensive care department in a university hospital.. Consecutive patients requiring central venous catheter in two similar 11-bed units from January 1, 2001, to January 1, 2002.. Alcoholic povidone-iodine solution protocol was randomly assigned to one of two units when the study began. Every 3 months the alcoholic protocol was switched from one unit to the other. Depending on the unit and the time the patient was admitted, catheters were inserted and cared for with 10% aqueous povidone-iodine solution or 5% povidone-iodine solution 70% ethanol-based combination.. Rates of catheter colonization, catheter-related bacteremia, and catheter-related infection were compared in the two protocols; 223 catheters were included in an intent-to-treat analysis. The incidence of catheter colonization was significantly lower in the alcoholic povidone-iodine solution protocol than in the aqueous povidone-iodine solution protocol (relative risk, 0.38; 95% confidence interval, 0.22-0.65, p <.001), and so was the incidence of catheter-related infection (relative risk, 0.34; 95% confidence interval, 0.13-0.91, p <.04). Catheter-related bacteremia were similar in both protocols. After adjusting for other risk factors, time to central venous catheter colonization was significantly longer in the alcoholic solution (adjusted hazards ratio, 0.3; 95% confidence interval, 0.2-0.6, p <.001). Based on a subgroup of 114 patients (57 in each protocol), analysis of 57 pairs of central venous catheters matched for age, duration, and site of insertion found similar results regarding the superiority of alcoholic povidone-iodine solution in preventing central venous catheter colonization and infection.. The use of alcoholic povidone-iodine for skin disinfection reduced the incidence of catheter colonization and related infection compared with aqueous 10% povidone-iodine disinfection in an adult intensive care unit.

Topics: Anti-Infective Agents, Local; Catheterization, Central Venous; Catheters, Indwelling; Cross Infection; Cross-Over Studies; Equipment Contamination; Ethanol; France; Humans; Incidence; Matched-Pair Analysis; Middle Aged; Multivariate Analysis; Pharmaceutical Vehicles; Povidone-Iodine; Proportional Hazards Models; Skin; Water

Povidone-iodine ointment and gauze covered by transparent dressings were compared with transparent dressings alone in historical controls (both changed twice weekly) in neurosurgical patients needing catheter placement for prolonged periods. Colonization and bloodstream infection were both reduced with the new method (P < .01 and P = .062, respectively).

Topics: Aged; Bacteremia; Bandages; Catheterization, Central Venous; Colony Count, Microbial; Critical Care; Cross Infection; Equipment Contamination; Humans; Middle Aged; Neurosurgery; Ointments; Povidone-Iodine; Risk Factors; Survival Analysis; Treatment Outcome

Nosocomial pneumonia remains a common complication in patients undergoing endotracheal intubation. This study examined the transport of bacteria into the trachea during endotracheal intubation, and evaluated the effects of gargling with povidone-iodine on bacterial contamination of the tip of the intubation tube.. In the gargling group, patients gargled with 25 mL of povidone-iodine (2.5 mg.mL(-1)). In the control group, patients gargled with 25 mL of tap water. Before tracheal intubation, microorganisms were obtained from the posterior wall of the patient's pharynx using sterile cotton swabs. After anesthesia, all patients were extubated and bacteria contaminating the tip of the tracheal tube were sampled and cultured.. Before orotracheal intubation, all 19 patients who gargled with tap water (control group) had bacterial colonization on the posterior walls of the pharynx. This group included five patients who had methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in their nasal cavity preoperatively and MRSA was also detected in the pharynx of four patients. Bacterial colonization was observed in all 19 patients who gargled with povidone-iodine (gargling group) and four patients carried MRSA in their nasal cavity, although no MRSA was detected in the pharynx. In the control group, all the patients had bacterial colonization at the tip of the tube after extubation. Additionally, MRSA was detected in two of the four patients. In the gargling group, povidone-iodine eradicated general bacteria and MRSA colonies in the pharynx before intubation and at the tip of the tube after extubation.. Gargling with povidone-iodine before oral intubation reduces the transport of bacteria into the trachea.

Topics: Anti-Infective Agents, Local; Bacteria; Colony Count, Microbial; Cross Infection; Equipment Contamination; Female; Humans; Intubation, Intratracheal; Male; Methicillin Resistance; Middle Aged; Mouthwashes; Nasal Cavity; Pharynx; Pneumonia; Povidone-Iodine; Staphylococcal Infections; Staphylococcus aureus; Trachea

The microbial contamination rate of luers of central venous catheters (CVCs) with either PosiFlow needleless connectors or standard caps attached was investigated. The efficacy of 70% (v/v) isopropyl alcohol, 0.5% (w/v) chlorhexidine in gluconate 70% (v/v) isopropyl alcohol and 10% (w/v) aqueous povidone-iodine to disinfect the intravenous connections was also assessed. Seventy-seven patients undergoing cardiac surgery who required a CVC as part of their clinical management were randomly allocated either needleless connectors or standard caps. Patients were also designated to receive chlorhexidine/alcohol, isopropyl alcohol or povidone-iodine for pre-CVC insertion skin preparation and disinfection of the connections. After 72 h in situ the microbial contamination rate of 580 luers, 306 with standard caps and 274 with needleless connectors attached, was determined. The microbial contamination rate of the external compression seals of 274 needleless connectors was also assessed to compare the efficacy of the three disinfectants. The internal surfaces of 55 out of 306 (18%) luers with standard caps were contaminated with micro-organisms, whilst only 18 out of 274 (6.6%) luers with needleless connectors were contaminated (P<0.0001). Of those needleless connectors disinfected with isopropyl alcohol, 69.2% were externally contaminated with micro-organisms compared with 30.8% disinfected with chlorhexidine/alcohol (P<0.0001) and 41.6% with povidone-iodine (P<0.0001). These results suggest that the use of needleless connectors may reduce the microbial contamination rate of CVC luers compared with the standard cap. Furthermore, disinfection of needleless connectors with either chlorhexidine/alcohol or povidone-iodine significantly reduced external microbial contamination. Both these strategies may reduce the risk of catheter-related infections acquired via the intraluminal route.

Topics: 2-Propanol; Administration, Cutaneous; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Anti-Infective Agents, Local; Catheterization, Central Venous; Catheters, Indwelling; Chlorhexidine; Cross Infection; Disinfection; Equipment Contamination; Equipment Design; Female; Glycerol; Hospitals, University; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Povidone-Iodine; Prospective Studies; Skin Care; United Kingdom

Skin disinfection is a key step in the prevention of nosocomial infections especially prior to invasive procedures such as the insertion of peripheral catheters. Alcohol-based antiseptics improve bactericidal activity and decrease the time needed for skin disinfection in emergencies. A randomized study was performed in two groups of 22 volunteers to compare the in vivo bactericidal effect of two rapid disinfection procedures using povidone iodine (PVP-I) in scrub formulation followed by alcoholic PVP-I, or chlorhexidine in scrub formulation followed by alcoholic chlorhexidine. Bacteria were recovered using the cylinder scrub method. Comparison of reductions in the aerobic and anaerobic flora from baseline levels to each of the three sampling times (30 sec, 3 min, 2 h) showed no significant difference between the two procedures Log(10)reduction after 30 seconds was around 1.5 for the aerobic flora and 1.1 for the anaerobic flora. After 3 minutes the corresponding values were 2.1 and 1.8, and after 2 hours 2.0 and 1.3. The products were well tolerated in both groups. The two procedures had comparable rapid bactericidal activity in vivo.

Topics: Adult; Anti-Infective Agents, Local; Catheterization, Peripheral; Chlorhexidine; Colony Count, Microbial; Cross Infection; Female; Humans; Male; Povidone-Iodine; Skin

To compare the efficacy of a newly available antiseptic solution (composed of 0.25% chlorhexidine gluconate, 0.025% benzalkonium chloride, and 4% benzyl alcohol), with 10% povidone iodine, on the prevention of central venous or arterial catheter colonization and infection.. Prospective, randomized clinical trial.. Surgical-trauma intensive care unit (ICU) in a university hospital.. All patients admitted to the ICU and requiring the insertion of a central venous and/or an arterial catheter from July 1, 1992 to October 31, 1993.. Patients were randomly assigned to one of two groups according to the antiseptic solution used for insertion and catheter care. The same solution was used for skin disinfection from the time of catheter insertion to the time of removal of each catheter.. Catheter distal tips were quantitatively cultured when catheters were no longer necessary, if there was a suspicion of catheter-related infection, and routinely after 7 days of use for arterial catheters, or after 15 days of use for central venous catheters. The rate of significant catheter colonization (i.e., > or = 10(3) colony-forming units [cfu]/mL by quantitative culture), and catheter-related sepsis (as defined by sepsis abating following catheter removal per 1,000 catheter-days), were significantly lower in the chlorhexidine group (12 vs. 31 [relative risk 0.4, 95% confidence interval 0.1 to 0.9, p < .01] and 6 vs. 16 [relative risk 0.4, 95% confidence interval 0.1 to 1, p = 0.5], respectively). The rate of central venous catheter colonization and central venous catheter-related sepsis per 1,000 catheter-days were also significantly lower in the chlorhexidine group (8 vs. 31 [relative risk 0.3, 95% confidence interval 0.1 to 1, p = .03] and 5 vs. 19 [relative risk 0.3, 95% confidence interval 0.1 to 1, p = .02], respectively). Finally, the rate of arterial catheter colonization per 1,000 catheter-days was significantly lower in the chlorhexidine group (15 vs. 32 [relative risk 0.5, 95% confidence interval 0.1 to 1, p = .05]), whereas the rate of arterial catheter-related sepsis per 1,000 catheter-days was similar for the two study groups (8 in the chlorhexidine group vs. 10 in the povidone iodine group [relative risk 0.8, 95% confidence interval 0.1 to 2.2, p = .6]). The 0.25% chlorhexidine solution was superior to the 10% povidone iodine solution in preventing catheter colonizations and catheter-related sepsis due to Gram-positive bacteria (5 vs. 20 [p < .001], and 2 vs. 10 [p < .001], respectively), whereas the activity of the 0.25% chlorhexidine solution was nonsignificantly superior in preventing Gram-negative infections (7 vs. 4 [p = .5], and 4 vs. 2 [p = .8], respectively).. The 4% alcohol-based solution of 0.25% chlorhexidine gluconate and 0.025% benzalkonium chloride was more effective than 10% povidone iodine for insertion site care of short-term central venous and arterial catheters. This effect appeared related to a more efficacious prevention of infections with Gram-positive bacteria.

Topics: Adult; Anti-Infective Agents, Local; Benzalkonium Compounds; Catheterization, Central Venous; Chlorhexidine; Cross Infection; Equipment Contamination; Gram-Negative Bacteria; Gram-Positive Bacteria; Humans; Intensive Care Units; Middle Aged; Mouthwashes; Povidone-Iodine; Prospective Studies

The automatic release of povidone iodine (PVP-I) into the outlet tube of a urinary collecting bag significantly reduced urinary tract infections (UTIs) and provided a more practical bacterial barrier than manual instillation of PVP-I into the bag as used previously. In 52 patients using a new urinary drainage system with a cartridge that released PVP-I into the outlet tube of the collection bag UTIs developed in 3, compared with 57 patients using a standard closed drainage system and in whom 13 UTIs developed (p less than 0.005). The PVP-I group had 92 percent of the accumulative catheter-days free of bladder infection, compared with 77 percent in the standard group. The main route of bacterial contamination leading to urinary drainage UTIs was through the collection bag.

Topics: Adult; Cross Infection; Drainage; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Povidone; Povidone-Iodine; Random Allocation; Urinary Catheterization; Urinary Tract Infections

Topics: Anti-Infective Agents, Local; Betacoronavirus; Coronavirus Infections; COVID-19; Cross Infection; Head and Neck Neoplasms; Humans; Medical Oncology; Pandemics; Personal Protective Equipment; Pneumonia, Viral; Povidone-Iodine; Public Health; SARS-CoV-2; Skull Base

Topics: Anti-Infective Agents, Local; Benzalkonium Compounds; Betacoronavirus; Coronavirus Infections; COVID-19; Cross Infection; Disease Transmission, Infectious; Eye Infections, Viral; Hand Disinfection; Humans; Infection Control; Masks; Pandemics; Pneumonia, Viral; Povidone-Iodine; SARS-CoV-2

Topics: Administration, Oral; Anti-Infective Agents, Local; Chlorhexidine; COVID-19; Cross Infection; Humans; Mouthwashes; Pneumonia, Ventilator-Associated; Povidone-Iodine; Preanesthetic Medication

Intraoperative photography has the potential to raise costs and introduce possible contamination but is essential for documentation in plastic surgery. The authors evaluate their use of a waterproof camera immersed in povidone-iodine for taking intraoperative photographs in an efficient manner. A waterproof camera is immersed in povidone-iodine during surgery and photographs are taken as needed by the operating surgeon or assistant without a change of gloves. A retrospective chart review was performed, evaluating serious infections and the number of photographs taken per procedure in the years before and after the camera was used. Bacterial cultures were taken of three areas of the camera on 10 consecutive operating days and evaluated for growth. The number of serious infections did not change after the camera protocol was implemented. The mean number of photographs taken per case increased significantly with the use of this camera. All cultures of the camera were negative. The use of a waterproof camera immersed in povidone-iodine allows efficient and improved intraoperative photographic documentation by the surgeon. It does not appear to increase the risk of infection or introduce contamination.

Topics: Anti-Infective Agents, Local; Cross Infection; Disinfection; Equipment Contamination; Humans; Intraoperative Period; Photography; Plastic Surgery Procedures; Postoperative Complications; Povidone-Iodine; Retrospective Studies

Recent publications have raised concerns of reduced susceptibilities of clinical bacterial isolates towards biocides. This study presents a comparative investigation of the susceptibility of livestock-associated Methicillin-resistant. In total, 28 (18 LA-, 5 HA- and 5 CA) genetically characterized MRSA strains representing a broad spectrum of hosts, clonal complexes and spa-types, as well as the reference methicillin-sensitive. Results from the MIC/MBC and quantitative suspension tests revealed differences between antiseptic substances but not between epidemiological groups of MRSA strains. OCT and PHMB were the most active substances with a minimal MIC of 1 mg/L, followed by CHX (2 mg/L), TCX (32 mg/L) and finally PVP-I (1024 mg/L). The MSSA reference strain showed a tendency to a higher susceptibility compared to the MRSA strains.. This investigation of the susceptibility of a range of LA-, HA- and CA-MRSA strains using standardized conditions gave no indication that LA-MRSA strains are less susceptible to commonly used antiseptics compared to HA- and CA-MRSA strains.

Topics: Animals; Anti-Infective Agents, Local; Biguanides; Chlorhexidine; Community-Acquired Infections; Cross Infection; Humans; Imines; Livestock; Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Microbial Viability; Povidone-Iodine; Pyridines; Staphylococcal Infections; Triclosan

A retrospective study, using prospectively collected data.. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of evidence-based care bundles for preventing surgical site infections (SSIs) in spinal instrumentation surgery.. About half of all SSIs are preventable via evidence-based methods. For successful SSI prevention, the bacterial load must be minimized, and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) protection must be maximized. However, it is difficult to cover all of these requirements by single preventative method.. We screened consecutive patients scheduled for spinal instrumentation surgeries at a single tertiary referral hospital for high surgical, SSI, and MRSA colonization risks. Evidence-based care bundles were implemented for high-risk patients and included 1) additional vancomycin prophylaxis, 2) diluted povidone-iodine irrigation, and 3) nasal and body decontamination. Patient demographics, comorbidities, operative features, and SSIs reported to the Japanese Nosocomial Infections Surveillance system were prospectively obtained in the same method by the same assessor and were used for the analyses. The results were compared before and after the application of the bundle.. There were 1042 spinal instrumentation surgeries (741 before and 301 after care bundles) performed from November 2010 to December 2015. Of 301 surgeries, 57 cases (18.9%) received care bundles. There were no significant differences in patient backgrounds before and after the intervention. The SSI rate decreased significantly from 3.8% to 0.7% (P < 0.01) after the intervention, with an overall 82% relative risk reduction. A significant protective effect was observed in the multivariate analysis (adjusted odds ratio 0.18, 95% confidence interval: 0.04-0.77, P = 0.02). There were no MRSA-related SSIs among those that received care bundles, even though MRSA was the predominant pathogen in the study population.. Evidence-based care bundles, applied in selected high-risk spinal instrumentation cases, minimized bacterial load, maximized MRSA protection, and significantly reduced SSI rates without topical vancomycin powder.. 4.

Topics: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Anti-Infective Agents, Local; Antibiotic Prophylaxis; Cross Infection; Evidence-Based Medicine; Female; Humans; Male; Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus; Middle Aged; Orthopedic Procedures; Patient Care Bundles; Povidone-Iodine; Retrospective Studies; Spinal Diseases; Staphylococcal Infections; Surgical Wound Infection; Vancomycin

Candida auris has caused nosocomial infections and transmissions within hospital settings. As little is known about the efficacy of skin and environmental decontamination products to kill C. auris, this study investigated the in vitro activity of chlorine, chlorhexidine, iodine povidone and vaporised hydrogen peroxide products against C. auris. H

Topics: Candida; Candidiasis; Chlorhexidine; Chlorine; Cross Infection; Decontamination; Disease Outbreaks; Disinfectants; Hospitals; Humans; Hydrogen Peroxide; Povidone-Iodine; Volatilization

Adenoviral conjunctivitis.. To examine the effects of conjunctival irrigation with povidone iodine in infants with adenoviral conjunctivitis.. An outbreak of adenovirus conjunctivitis occurred between September and December 2012 at the neonatal intensive care unit of our hospital. Forty-three infants with adenoviral conjunctivitis were examined in this study. Thirty-five eyes of 35 infants who had detailed ophthalmological examination and clinical scoring were included. The conjunctiva of 15 infants (Group 1) were irrigated with povidone iodine 2.5% solution and then treated with preservative-free artificial tears and preservative-free antibiotic drops. Twenty infants (Group 2) were treated only with the same drops with the same posology, without conjunctival irrigation with povidone iodine. Patients were examined two times a week until the complete recovery. Lid edema, conjunctival chemosis, fragility of conjunctival vasculature, pseudomembrane formation, and corneal involvement were scored clinically.. Twenty patients (57%) were female and 15 patients (43%) were male and mean age was 3.1 months (ranged from 1 to 4 months). No relation was found between gender and clinical scores. Statistically significant lower clinical scores were obtained from Group 1. The median recovery time was earlier in Group 1 (7 d) than Group 2 (12 d) (p = 0.001).. Conjunctival irrigation with 2.5% povidone iodine is effective in the treatment of adenoviral conjunctivitis in infants.

Topics: Adenoviridae Infections; Anti-Infective Agents, Local; Conjunctivitis, Viral; Cross Infection; Disease Outbreaks; Female; Humans; Infant; Intensive Care, Neonatal; Male; Povidone-Iodine

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) report published in 2009 shows that there were about 16,000 cases of surgical site infection (SSI) following ~ 850,000 operative procedures making SSI one of the most predominant infection amongst nosocomial infections. Preoperative skin preparation is a standard procedure utilized to prevent SSIs thereby improving patient outcomes and controlling associated healthcare costs. Multiple techniques/ products have been used for pre-operative skin preparation, like 2 step scrubbing and painting, 2 step scrubbing and drying, and 1 step painting with a drying time. However, currently used products require strict, time consuming and labor-intensive protocols that involve repeated mechanical scrubbing. It can be speculated that a product requiring a more facile protocol will increase compliance, thus promoting a reduction in SSIs. Hence, the antimicrobial efficacy of a spray-on foaming formulation containing Betadine (povidone-iodine aerosol foam) that can be administered with minimum effort is compared to that of an existing formulation/technique (Wet Skin Scrub).. In vitro antimicrobial activities of (a) 5% Betadine delivered in aerosolized foam, (b) Wet Skin Scrub Prep Tray and (c) liquid Betadine are tested against three clinically representative microorganisms (S. aureus, S. epidermidis and P. aeruginosa,) on two surfaces (agar-gel on petri-dish and porcine skin). The log reduction/growth of the bacteria in each case is noted and ANOVA statistical analysis is used to establish the effectiveness of the antimicrobial agents, and compare their relative efficacies.. With agar gel as the substrate, no growth of bacteria is observed for all the three formulations. With porcine skin as the substrate, the spray-on foam's performance was not statistically different from that of the Wet Skin Scrub Prep technique for the microorganisms tested.. The povidone-iodine aerosolized foam could potentially serve as a non-labor intensive antimicrobial agent for surgical site preparation.

Topics: Animals; Cross Infection; Disinfectants; Disinfection; Humans; Povidone-Iodine; Preoperative Care; Pseudomonas aeruginosa; Skin; Staphylococcus aureus; Staphylococcus epidermidis; Surgical Wound Infection; Swine

To make a field comparison of the effectiveness, ease of use, and cost of a chlorhexidine antiseptic solution (CBA) and an alcohol-based povidone-iodine solution (PVP-IA) for the prevention of central venous catheter (CVC)-related infections in an intensive care unit, with the aim of identifying the superior antisepsis agent.. We measured the CVC colonization and infection incidence for PVP-IA (Betadine alcoolique(®)) and for CBA (Biseptine(®)) during two successive 1-year periods of routine surveillance (REA RAISIN network). A questionnaire on the ease of CBA use was administered. Consumption data were obtained from the hospital pharmacy.. The study included 806 CVC (CBA period: 371). Upon switching from PVP-IA to CBA, we recorded a significant reduction in colonization incidence/100 catheter days (1.12 vs. 1.55, p=0.041), nonsignificant differences concerning CVC-related infection incidence/100 catheter days (0.28 vs. 0.26, p=0.426), and a nonsignificant reduction in CVC-related bacteremia/100 catheter days (0.14 vs. 0.30, p=0.052). PVP-IA users were at significantly higher risk of CVC colonization or infection based on a multivariate Cox model analysis (relative risk [95% CI]: 1.48 [1.01-2.15], p=0.043). The main drawbacks of CBA use were its low cleansing activity and its colorless solution. No cost advantage was found.. Our field study revealed no major clinical advantage of CBA use in CVC infection and no cost advantage in addition to limited ease of use.

Topics: Anti-Infective Agents, Local; Bacteremia; Catheter-Related Infections; Catheterization, Central Venous; Chlorhexidine; Colony Count, Microbial; Cross Infection; Drug Costs; Equipment Contamination; Female; Humans; Intensive Care Units; Male; Povidone-Iodine; Prohibitins; Proportional Hazards Models; Prospective Studies

Topics: 2-Propanol; Anti-Infective Agents; Chlorhexidine; Cross Infection; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Povidone-Iodine; Single Umbilical Artery; Suppuration; Umbilical Cord

Accidental burns in the operating room are hopefully rare events, but it could happen during any surgical procedure. To reduce the nosocomial infection, the use of alcohol-base products is recommended by all the recent guidelines. Yet these inflammables products represent a potential danger if they are not carefully employed, and the surgeon's responsibility can be involved. We therefore thought it would be interesting to show the benefit provided by such products in terms of wound infection and skin preparation. However, two recent cases of severe accidental burn illustrate the importance of precautions when using such products.

Topics: Anti-Infective Agents; Burns; Cross Infection; Female; Humans; Iatrogenic Disease; Intraoperative Complications; Middle Aged; Operating Rooms; Povidone-Iodine; Practice Guidelines as Topic; Risk Factors; Young Adult

The fight against healthcare-associated infections is based on preventive measures of multidrug resistant bacteria diffusion. Hand hygiene is the simplest and the most effective preventive measure to reduce cross-transmission of infectious agents. Hydroalcoholic solutions for hand hygiene was recently introduced in the University Hospital of Brest (France). The aims of the study were: to describe the epidemiology of healthcare-associated infections due to methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA); to determine the annual consumptions of antistaphylococcal antibiotics; and to discuss the relation between consumption of antiseptic products or antibiotics and the epidemiology of MRSA.. A retrospective epidemiological and pharmaco-epidemiological study was realized from January 2004 to December 2007 in the University Hospital of Brest (France). It allowed to bring to light the cases of healthcare-associated infections due to MRSA and to quantify the consumptions of hang hygiene products and antistaphylococcal antibiotics.. this retrospective study showed a decrease of healthcare-associated infections due to MRSA and an increase of the consumption of hydroalcoholic solutions. Antistaphylococcal resistance rates also decreased in a context of fall of the global antibiotics consumption in the hospital.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Anti-Infective Agents, Local; Chlorhexidine; Cross Infection; Disinfectants; Drug Utilization; Female; Gels; Hand Disinfection; Hospitals, University; Humans; Male; Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus; Middle Aged; Povidone-Iodine; Retrospective Studies; Soaps; Staphylococcal Infections

Nosocomial infections which exhibit an increasing trend worldwide, are important contributors to morbidity and mortality. Most bacteria that cause nosocomial infections can retain their viability even after exposure to disinfectants in routine practice. This study was conducted to determine the susceptibilities of nosocomial Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus spp. isolates to various disinfectants. A total of 30 S.aureus [16 were methicillin-resistant (MRSA), 14 were methicillin-susceptible (MSSA)] and 21 Enterococcus spp. (13 E.faecalis, 7 E.faecium, 1 non-typable Enterococcus spp.) strains isolated from clinical samples of hospitalized patients as nosocomial infection agents in the Central Microbiology Laboratory of Ibn-i Sina Hospital, Ankara University, Faculty of Medicine, were included in the study. Glutaraldehyde (2% wt/vol), chlorhexidine gluconate (4% wt/vol), 2-propanol (70% vol/vol), povidone iodine (7.5% wt/vol), povidone iodine (10% wt/vol) and hydrogen peroxide (3% wt/vol) susceptibilities of the isolates were investigated by quantitative suspension test at contact times of 3, 5, and 10 minutes. All of the isolates were found susceptible to glutaraldehyde (2%), chlorhexidine gluconate (4%), povidone iodine (7.5%), povidone iodine (10%) and 2-propanol (70%) at all tested contact times. However, 12 S.aureus (5 MSSA, 7 MRSA) and 3 enterococci (2 E.faecium, 1 E.faecalis) isolates were found susceptible to hydrogen peroxide (3%) at 3 minutes contact time; 11 S.aureus (4 MSSA, 7 MRSA) and 7 E.faecalis isolates were found susceptible at 5 minutes contact time, and 6 S.aureus (4 MSSA, 2 MRSA) and 3 enterococci (1 E.faecium, 2 E.faecalis) isolates were found susceptible at 10 minutes contact time. One MSSA and 8 enterococci (4 E.faecium, 3 E.faecalis, 1 Enterococcus spp.) isolates were found resistant to hydrogen peroxide (3%) at 10 minutes contact time. In conclusion, glutaraldehyde (2%), chlorhexidine gluconate (4%), povidone iodine (7.5%), povidone iodine (10%) and 2-propanol (70%) can be safely used against S.aureus and Enterococcus spp. owing to their high effectiveness, however, hydrogen peroxide (3%) should not be preferred against those strains due to the presence of resistant isolates, in Ankara University Ibn-i Sina Hospital.

Topics: 2-Propanol; Chlorhexidine; Cross Infection; Disinfectants; Drug Resistance, Bacterial; Enterococcus; Glutaral; Gram-Positive Bacterial Infections; Humans; Hydrogen Peroxide; Povidone-Iodine; Staphylococcal Infections; Staphylococcus aureus; Time Factors; Turkey

Topics: 2-Propanol; Anti-Infective Agents; Carrier State; Chlorhexidine; Cross Infection; Humans; Mupirocin; Nasal Cavity; Povidone-Iodine; Skin; Staphylococcal Infections; Surgical Wound Infection

Topics: Anti-Infective Agents; Antibiotic Prophylaxis; Antisepsis; Chlorhexidine; Cross Infection; Humans; Incidence; Population Surveillance; Povidone-Iodine; Surgical Wound Infection

Chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) and povidone iodine (PI) are rarely used concurrently despite a lack of evidence regarding functional incompatibility of these agents.. CHG and PI, alone and combined, were evaluated against Staphylococcus aureus (methicillin-susceptible S aureus [MSSA] and methicillin-resistant S aureus [MRSA]), Staphylococcus epidermidis (MRSE), Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Escherichia coli using checkerboard microbroth dilution techniques. Minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) was the concentration (percent wt/vol) that reduced bacterial burden ≥ 5-log(10) colony-forming units/mL at 2 hours when compared with bacterial densities in growth controls. Fractional bactericidal concentration indexes (FBCIs) were calculated to determine CHG and PI compatibility. Additionally, tissue plugs from freshly excised porcine vaginal mucosa were infected with S aureus (MSSA), treated for 2 hours with CHG 3%, PI 5%, or CHG 3% and PI 5% combined and then viable bacteria on the tissue plugs enumerated.. In broth, CHG demonstrated dose-dependent bactericidal activity, whereas PI activity was all-or-none. All isolates studied were similarly susceptible to CHG (MBCs: 0.0078% ± 0.0019%, 0.0069% ± 0.0026%, 0.0024% ± 0.0005%, 0.0024% ± 0.0005%, 0.0059% ± 0.0%, and 0.0029% ± 0.0%, respectively). The MBCs of PI were identical (0.625%) for all isolates. Overall, FBCI calculations showed indifference. Treatment of MSSA-infected porcine tissue for 2 hours demonstrated that the CHG-PI combination was superior to either antiseptic alone.. FBCIs, determined in broth culture, indicate that combining CHG and PI had no negative impact on antisepsis. Moreover, data from an ex vivo porcine mucosal infection model suggest a potential benefit when combining the 2 antiseptic agents.

Topics: Administration, Topical; Animals; Anti-Infective Agents, Local; Bacteria; Cross Infection; Disease Models, Animal; Drug Therapy, Combination; Female; In Vitro Techniques; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Microbial Viability; Mucous Membrane; Povidone-Iodine; Sodium Hypochlorite; Swine; Treatment Outcome

This study attempts to establish the actual effectiveness of pre-surgical disinfection of the patient and surgeon's hands. We evaluated bacterial density and composition on the skin of 15 patients undergoing knee arthroscopy and the left hand of two surgeons after standard disinfection with povidone-iodine. Three samples were taken after the first 6-min scrub in the first surgical operation from the periungual space of the 1 degrees finger, from the interdigital space between the 2 degrees and 3 degrees fingers and from the transverse palmar crest of the left hand of two surgeons for seven consecutive surgical sessions, for a total of 42 samples, and two samples from the pre-patellar skin and from the popliteal skin of 15 patients undergoing knee arthroscopy, for a total of 30 samples. Pre-surgical handwashing and disinfection procedures were identical in each case. Pre-surgical disinfection of the patient's skin with povidone-iodine was shown to be completely effective, with 100% of samples negative. Samples taken from the interdigital space and the palmar crest (100% of samples negative) demonstrated the efficacy of disinfection of the surgeon's hands with povidone-iodine, while the periungual space was contaminated in 50% of the samples. The bacterial strains isolated belong to the staphylococcus genus in 100% of the cases, with pathogenic strains in 29.6% of the cases. Standard pre-surgical disinfection of skin in areas easily accessible to the disinfectant is sufficient in itself to guarantee thorough sanitization. Standard scrubbing of the surgeon's hands is insufficient in eliminating bacterial contamination, including pathogenic germs, in the periungual space, where it is probably difficult for the disinfectant to come into contact with the skin.

Topics: Anti-Infective Agents, Local; Arthroscopy; Cross Infection; Disinfection; Hand; Hand Disinfection; Humans; Knee Joint; Povidone-Iodine; Preoperative Care; Skin; Staphylococcus

In experiment 1, we evaluated our method of catheter care at subclavian vein insertion sites for the control of catheter-related infections in seriously ill neurosurgical patients who needed prolonged catheter placement, compared with an older method. In our method, the insertion site was prepared with 10% povidone-iodine solution, followed by application of 10% povidone-iodine ointment, and covered with sterile gauze and a transparent polyurethane dressing. The older method was based on 1996 guidelines for the prevention of intravascular device-related infections. Catheter colonization and mortality were both found to be significantly reduced with our method (p = 0.0214, p = 0.0379, respectively). In experiment 2, we evaluated whether a regimen of catheter care with 10% povidone-iodine ointment was more effective than that without povidone-iodine ointment for the prevention of infections. This suggested effectiveness of 10% povidone-iodine ointment for reduction of infection. Our method of catheter care was useful even in seriously ill neurosurgical patients.

Topics: Administration, Topical; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Anti-Infective Agents, Local; Bacterial Infections; Bandages; Catheterization, Central Venous; Catheters, Indwelling; Cross Infection; Equipment Contamination; Humans; Infection Control; Middle Aged; Nervous System Diseases; Neurosurgical Procedures; Ointments; Povidone-Iodine; Skin Care; Solutions; Subclavian Vein

We investigated the efficacy of disinfection of the upper airway using povidone-iodine against nosocomial pneumonia in geriatric wards. Cases of nosocomial pneumonia were retrospectively analyzed between January 1991 and March 1995 in geriatric wards (190 beds). Moreover, the relationship concerning methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) isolates between patient and environment was investigated using pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) with the SmaI restriction enzyme. The incidence of nosocomial pneumonia decreased significantly (p < 0.05). Major causative organisms of nosocomial pneumonia were MRSA and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which significantly decreased. PFGE studies showed that the patterns of MRSA isolates show a strong association between patient and environment. Our study indicates that disinfection of the upper airways by povidone-iodine is very important in the prevention of nosocomial pneumonia in geriatric wards.

Topics: Aged; Anti-Infective Agents, Local; Bacterial Typing Techniques; Carrier State; Cross Infection; Disease Transmission, Infectious; Electrophoresis, Gel, Pulsed-Field; Environmental Microbiology; Geriatrics; Hospital Units; Humans; Infection Control; Methicillin Resistance; Mouth; Nasal Cavity; Pneumonia, Bacterial; Povidone-Iodine; Pseudomonas aeruginosa; Pseudomonas Infections; Retrospective Studies; Staphylococcal Infections; Staphylococcus aureus

The introduction of low-cost competitive antiseptic products may offer savings, but, unfortunately, their quality control is poor in many developing countries. The use of a new brand of idopovidone solution, used routinely for catheter insertion-site cleaning, was associated with a 55% increase in catheter insertion-site infection per 100 active catheters, returning to usual after the product was recalled. The new brand of iodopovidone solution had less free iodine (.76%) and lower pH (2.7) than required by local standards (pH 3-6.5). Use of substandard antiseptics in developing countries, because of poor quality control, is a risk for patients and results in increased health services expenses and burden of work.

Topics: Anti-Infective Agents, Local; Catheters, Indwelling; Cohort Studies; Cross Infection; Humans; Infection Control; Povidone-Iodine

The central venous catheter (CVC) is a necessary, yet inherently risky, modern medical device. We aimed to carry out a systems-based intervention designed to facilitate the use of maximal sterile barrier precautions and the use of chlorhexidine for skin antisepsis during insertion of CVC.. All patients in whom a CVC was inserted at a medical-surgical intensive care unit at a university-affiliated public hospital were included in a before-after trial. The standard CVC kit in routine use before the intervention included a small sterile drape (24" by 36") and 10% povidone-iodine for skin antisepsis. We special ordered a customized kit that, instead, included a large sterile drape (41" by 55") and 2% chlorhexidine gluconate in 70% isopropyl alcohol. Both the standard kit in use before the intervention and the customized kit included identical CVCs. Baseline data included the quarterly CVC-associated bloodstream infection (BSI) rates during the 15 months before the intervention. Comparison data included the quarterly CVC-associated BSI rates during the 15 months after we instituted exclusive use of the customized kit.. The mean quarterly CVC-associated BSI rate decreased from a baseline of 11.3 per 1000 CVC-days before the intervention to 3.7 per 1000 CVC-days after the intervention (P < .01). Assuming direct costs of at least 10,000 dollars per CVC-associated BSI, we calculated resultant annualized savings to the hospital of approximately 350,000 dollars.. Infection control interventions that rely on voluntary changes in human behavior, despite the best intentions of us all, are often unsuccessful. We have demonstrated that a systems-based intervention led to a sustained decrease in the CVC-associated BSI rate, thereby resulting in improved patient safety and decreased cost of care.

Topics: Bacteremia; Catheterization, Central Venous; Chlorhexidine; Cross Infection; Disinfectants; Health Care Costs; Hospitals, University; Humans; Infection Control; Povidone-Iodine; Statistics as Topic; Surgery Department, Hospital

An ex vivo test was adapted to mimic the in vivo conditions of testing antiseptic activity on human forearms and in the European Standard Hygienic Handwash Test (BSEN 1499). The study was to validate the ex vivo protocols using 4.8% (w/v) para-chloro-meta-xylenol (PCMX, neat Dettol), 0.5% (w/v) triclosan in 70% (v/v) isopropanol, and 2% (v/v) povidone-iodine against a high bacterial inoculum (>10(8) cfu/mL) of Escherichia coli NCTC 10538. Two ex vivo tests using human skin samples, including one introducing a mechanical rubbing effect, were compared with two corresponding in vivo tests (the forearm test and the BSEN handwashing test). All antiseptics assessed in vivo (forearm and handwash tests) produced reductions in bacterial counts that were significantly greater than those for the non-medicated soft soap control. When assessed ex vivo without rubbing, only PCMX and povidone-iodine achieved reductions significantly greater than soft soap. When assessed ex vivo with mechanical rubbing, only PCMX and triclosan achieved reductions significantly greater than soft soap. Overall, the antiseptics at the concentrations tested were more active when tested in vivo than ex vivo. The addition of a mechanical effect, either in vivo by the volunteers washing their hands or ex vivo by a drill rubbing two skin samples against each other, produced a significantly greater reduction in bacterial concentrations. The ex vivo tests were easily adapted to mimic in vivo protocols. The value of such tests, particularly the one that includes a rubbing effect, may be significant as they avoid the need for human volunteers.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Cross Infection; Disinfectants; Escherichia coli; Female; Forearm; Hand Disinfection; Humans; Infection Control; Male; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Povidone-Iodine; Triclosan; Xylenes

To assess the response to the action of different antiseptics and disinfectants usually used in Argentinian hospitals of hospital staphylococci sensitive and resistant to methicillin. To test the effectiveness of the biocides by measuring their effective bactericidal concentrations, and to determine whether there is any correlation between biocide resistance and methicillin resistance in this bacterial population.. The action of seven biocides was tested against 25 strains of nosocomial Staphylococcus spp. sensitive and resistant to methicillin, and in Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538. Hospital strains were obtained from April, 2000 to May, 2002, from clinical samples (blood culture, urine culture, catheter tip or abscess) from male and female inpatients and outpatients at two tertiary hospitals. After isolation, antibiotic sensitivity was tested with the agar diffusion method of Kirby and Bauer. The action of hospital biocides on the strains was studied with the Kelsey-Sykes test, which establishes the effective bactericide concentrations of these compounds.. The results showed that the response of strains sensitive and resistant to methicillin varied in comparison to the collection strain. Chlorhexidine digluconate, povidone iodine, weak tincture of iodine and alkaline glutaraldehyde were effective against most strains, regardless of whether they were sensitive or resistant to methicillin.. We found no indication of a relationship between resistance to methicillin and resistance to biocides. Our study shows that further research is needed to evaluate the efficacy of chemical agents against microorganisms that have been exposed to antibiotic therapies.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Anti-Infective Agents, Local; Argentina; Benzalkonium Compounds; Child; Chlorhexidine; Cross Infection; Disinfectants; Female; Glutaral; Humans; Iodine Compounds; Male; Methicillin Resistance; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Middle Aged; Povidone-Iodine; Sodium Hypochlorite; Staphylococcal Infections; Staphylococcus; Xylenes

Surgical hand disinfection (with an alcohol-based hand rub) and surgical handwash (with an antiseptic-based liquid soap) are accepted measures to reduce the risk for surgical site infections. The new European Standards allow a comparison of their antimicrobial efficacy. The bactericidal activity of surgical hand rubs [Sterillium and Softaman, (active ingredient=alcohols)] and handwashes [Derman plus (triclosan), Hibiscrub (chlorhexidine) and Betadine (PVP-iodine)] was tested according to the prEN 12054 suspension test using Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus hirae, and to prEN 12791 for the effect on resident skin flora in comparison with 1-propanol, 60% (v/v). All five products achieved a reduction of test bacteria within 3 min of >10(5)-fold so fulfilling prEN 12054. However, only Hibiscrub, Sterillium and Softa Man met the requirements of prEN 12791, giving a mean reduction of resident micro-organisms (immediate and sustained effect) which was not significantly lower than the reference alcohol (P>0.1; Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed-rank test). Sterillium was significantly more effective than the reference alcohol (immediate and sustained affect). Products for surgical hand disinfection may have equal antimicrobial activity in suspension tests but show large differences under practical conditions. Healthcare workers should not rely on results from suspension tests when deciding on a product for surgical hand disinfection.

Topics: 1-Propanol; Alcohols; Bacteria; Chlorhexidine; Colony Count, Microbial; Cross Infection; Disinfectants; Enterococcus; Escherichia coli; Gloves, Surgical; Hand Disinfection; Humans; Infection Control; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Povidone-Iodine; Pseudomonas aeruginosa; Staphylococcus aureus; Triclosan

An outbreak of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) colonization occurred from November 2001 in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) of our hospital. Since the establishment of our NICU in 1991, some MRSA has been detected in NICU patients. For MRSA infection preventive measures, utilization of the following items was implemented: mupirocin ointment, diluted povidone iodine, methylrosaniline chloride, and disposable rubber gloves. Patients in whom MRSA was detected received intranasal administration of the mupirocin ointment three times daily and were bathed in, or their entire body was wiped with diluted povidone iodine once daily for the first 3 days in each week. In addition, they received an intraoral application of methylrosaniline chloride daily. All therapy was done until MRSA strains were undetectable for 3 continuous weeks. Genotypes of 13 MRSA strains isolated from eight inpatients and one mother were analyzed by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). All PFGE patterns were identical, except for one, which had one distinct migrating fragment. These data suggested that this MRSA outbreak was caused by the same strain, which was derived from the mother of a low-birth-weight infant born on October 30, 2001. Gradually, the number of inpatients carrying MRSA decreased, until finally MRSA was no longer observed, in April 2002. Fortunately, we controlled the MRSA outbreak immediately, and none of the inpatients developed severe MRSA infection. We think that in our NICU, which is isolated from other hospital wards, it is important to prevent the entrance of MRSA-carrying mothers.

Topics: Cross Infection; Disease Outbreaks; Electrophoresis, Gel, Pulsed-Field; Female; Gentian Violet; Gloves, Protective; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Infection Control; Intensive Care Units, Neonatal; Japan; Male; Methicillin Resistance; Mupirocin; Povidone-Iodine; Staphylococcal Infections; Staphylococcus aureus

Topics: Antisepsis; Cross Infection; Humans; Povidone-Iodine

To evaluate the susceptibility of a large number of strains to various antiseptics, we elaborated a simple, qualitative broth turbidity method in which we could quickly judge the efficacy visually. For this method, we prepared a modified neutralizer broth, consisting of trypticase soy broth containing 15% Tween 80, 1% soybean lecithin and 0.5% sodium thiosulfate. The susceptibilities of Serratia marcescens No. 26 to 4 antiseptics obtained from the turbidity method showed a good agreement with those obtained from the colony-counting method; the 4 antiseptics tested were povidone-iodine (PVP-I), chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG), benzalkonium chloride (BAC) and alkyldiaminoethylglycine hydrochloride (AEG). Both PVP-I and BAC had complete efficacy in 0.5 min against all isolates tested [100 isolates of S. marcescens, 103 of Klebsiella pneumoniae, 99 of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, 19 of Alcaligenes faecalis and 30 of A. xylosoxidans subsp. xylosoxydans (A. xylosoxydans)]. In contrast, the effectiveness of CHG was weak compared with PVP-I, BAC and AEG. Strong resistance against AEG was noted even after 3-min exposure in 1 isolate each of A. faecalis and A. xylosoxydans. It is concluded that the turbidity test is a simple and accurate method to evaluate susceptibility to various antiseptics and that it is suitable for a screening of a large number of strains. Among the 4 antiseptics tested, PVP-I and BAC showed a consistently high activity against all isolates, confirming PVP-I and BAC to be clinically useful antiseptics.

Topics: Anti-Infective Agents, Local; Benzalkonium Compounds; Chlorhexidine; Colony Count, Microbial; Cross Infection; Drug Resistance, Microbial; Humans; Klebsiella pneumoniae; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Povidone-Iodine; Pseudomonas aeruginosa; Serratia marcescens; Time Factors

At Morioka Yuai Hospital, the Infection Control Division was set up 5 years ago, and it has made efforts to actively control infections. In particular, the division succeeded in increasing the frequency of general round table discussions for patients with infections. We strongly recommend to frequently gargle with Isodine at operations. Recently, we have followed up patients with infections caused by MRSA, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Serratia or carriers of these bacteria, and determined the drug sensitivities of clinical isolates. In addition, because of the current highly aged society, a high percentage of inpatients has various underlying diseases. In particular, there are quite a few cases in which pneumonia occurs as an opportunistic infection. From studies in these patients and patients of the dental department, it has been shown that oral microorganisms clearly decrease in count by careful tooth brushing and gargling with Isodine, with prevention of pneumonitis caused by oral microorganisms. As we consider that antisepsis with povidone-iodine is useful for the prevention of nosocomial and opportunistic infections, we would like to report the findings of our study currently under way.

Topics: Anti-Infective Agents, Local; Cross Infection; Drug Resistance, Microbial; Humans; Mouthwashes; Povidone-Iodine; Pseudomonas aeruginosa; Serratia marcescens; Staphylococcus aureus

The microbicidal action spectrum of povidone-iodine (PVP-I) is broad - even after short onset times. Unlike local antibiotics and other antiseptic substances, no resistance develops. The high degree of bactericidal efficiency in respect of highly resistant gram-positive pathogenic micro-organisms, such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and enterococcus strains, is particularly significant for hospital hygiene. An in vitro study with 10 genotypically different MRSA isolates showed an optimum bactericidal effect (logarithmic reduction factor value >5) without protein load after just 30 s exposure and even in a dilution of Betaisodona solution (Mundipharma GmbH) of 1%. With protein load (0.2% albumin), the optimum in microbicidal effectiveness shifts to concentrations > or = 10% Betaisodona solution referring to an exposure time of 30 s. Since recent results are now also available on the toxicological safety of PVP-I preparations for the ciliated epithelium of the nasal mucosa and the good tolerability on skin and other mucous membranes is a known factor, a controlled clinical study is currently being carried out to eliminate colonizations of MRSA. Evidence has also recently been produced of the antiviral activity of PVP-I against herpes simplex, adeno- and enteroviruses, as well as its high degree of efficiency against Chlamydia. Hence alongside the classical fields of application, such as the disinfection of the skin and hands, mucosa antisepsis and wound treatment, there are also useful indications for the substance, i.e. rinsing of body cavities and joints and application to the eye.

Topics: Adenoviridae Infections; Anti-Infective Agents, Local; Chlamydia Infections; Cross Infection; Enterococcus; Eye Diseases; Herpes Simplex; Humans; Methicillin Resistance; Povidone-Iodine; Staphylococcus aureus

We investigated the efficacy of infection control measures against nosocomial pneumonia in geriatric wards. Cases with nosocomial pneumonia were retrospectively analyzed between January 1991 and March 1995. The study period was divided into four annual periods (periods 1, 2, 3 and 4). Period 1, January to December 1991, was applied as the cotrol. We investigated patients with nosocomial pneumonias in geriatric wards (190 beds) of AINO Memorial Hospital, affiliated with Nagasaki University. During the study period, nosocomial pneumonia significantly diminished. (period 1 vs periods 2, 3 and 4, p < 0.05, p < 0.05, p < 0.05, respectively). Major causative organisms of nosocomial pneumonia were MRSA and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. During the four periods, a significant reduction in cases with MRSA- and P. aeruginosa-induced nosocomial pneumonia was observed (MRSA: period 1 vs periods 2, 3 and 4, p < 0.05, p < 0.05, p < 0.01, respectively; P. aeruginosa: period 1 vs period 3, p < 0.01, period 2 vs periods 3 and 4, p < 0.01, p < 0.05, respectively). On the other hand, the improvement of decubitus ulcers was associated with a significant reduction in nosocomial pneumonia (period 1 vs. periods 2 and 3, p < 0.05 and p < 0.05, respectively). In conclusion, stringent infection control programs, including a cleaning in the upper airways by povidone iodine, are necessary in geriatric wards to reduce and prevent nosocomial pneumonia.

Topics: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Cross Infection; Female; Humans; Male; Pneumonia, Bacterial; Povidone-Iodine; Pressure Ulcer; Retrospective Studies

During 11 months 58 extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae (ESBL-Kp) isolates were grown from 10 patients on a neurological early rehabilitation unit. The patients had no signs of infection but were colonized in the nose and trachea, and unusually only one had colonization in the gut. A single clone of ESBL-Kp was identified by pulse field gel electrophoresis. Strong hygienic precautions similar to those for Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus patients prevented spread of the bacteria to other wards. However, rehabilitation for patients with severe neurological failures made it very difficult to follow hygienic requirements. Disinfection of mucous membranes was difficult. Eventually the application of a nasal spray containing povidone-iodine proved to be successful.

Topics: Anti-Infective Agents, Local; beta-Lactamases; Carrier State; Cross Infection; Drug Resistance, Microbial; Environmental Microbiology; Humans; Infection Control; Klebsiella Infections; Klebsiella pneumoniae; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Nose; Physical Therapy Department, Hospital; Povidone-Iodine; Trachea

Most published studies of the activity of biocides against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) have been based on suspension tests. This study was undertaken to provide information on the effect of chlorhexidine and povidone iodine on bacteria dried on to surfaces, a situation in which biocide activity is known to be reduced. The inactivation of MRSA (10 strains), methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA, 10 strains), VRE (nine strains) and vancomycin-sensitive Enterococcus faecalis (VSE, 10 strains) by 0.5% aqueous chlorhexidine gluconate or 10% povidone iodine was evaluated by applying the European surface test method. Povidone iodine was equally active against resistant and sensitive strains of both species with microbicidal effects (ME), i.e. the log(10)concentration of micro-organisms compared with controls treated with distilled water, after 1.5 min of 3.14 and 3.49 for VRE and VSE respectively, and 3.47 and 3.78 for MRSA and MSSA. Chlorhexidine was equally active against VRE and VSE (ME 3.37 vs. 3. 56 after 7 min, respectively), but was significantly less active against MRSA as opposed to MSSA (ME 3.07 vs. 3.83 after 10 min, P= 0. 017).

Topics: Anti-Infective Agents, Local; Chlorhexidine; Cross Infection; Disinfectants; Drug Evaluation, Preclinical; Drug Resistance, Microbial; Enterococcus faecalis; Gram-Positive Bacterial Infections; Humans; Infection Control; Israel; Methicillin Resistance; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Povidone-Iodine; Serotyping; Staphylococcal Infections; Staphylococcus aureus; Time Factors; Vancomycin Resistance

We took culture of throat swab from 77 subjects who were negative for infection of HBV, HCV, HIV and syphilis infection before and after endoscopy. Moreover, the existence of bacterium including Helicobacter pylori at overcoat of endoscopic instrument was investigated right after examination and after disinfection of endoscope. Povidoneiodine, 70% alcohol and 1% benzalkonium chloride was used as a disinfectant for endoscope, and it took less than 10 minutes to wash by hand to disinfection. alpha-haemolytic streptococci, Staphylococcus epidermids, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Enterococcus faecalis, Candida, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and MRSA were cultured in throat swab. The rate of adhesion of bacterium especially such as Candida, K. pneumoniae and S. epidermids to endoscope was considerably high. 23 of 77 subjects had H. pylori infection, and the adhesion of H. pylori to endoscope was found to be 65.2% of the subjects. On the contrast, no bacterium was detected from the endoscopic instrument after careful disinfection. These findings stress the importance of postoperative disinfection of the endoscope to prevent the chance to acquire bacterial infection.

Topics: 2-Propanol; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Bacterial Adhesion; Bacterial Infections; Benzalkonium Compounds; Cross Infection; Disinfection; Equipment Contamination; Female; Gastric Mucosa; Gastroscopes; Helicobacter pylori; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Pharynx; Povidone-Iodine

Povidone iodine (PI) solution is used commonly for skin disinfection before epidural and spinal anesthesia. Although there have been reports indicating the presence of microbial contaminants in PI solution, none have evaluated the prevalence of PI contamination. The aims of this study were to assess the frequency of bacterial contamination of previously opened bottles of PI solution and to compare the effectiveness of new and previously opened bottles of PI solution for skin disinfection.. Twenty previously opened and ten previously unopened multiple-use bottles of PI solution were evaluated for microbial contamination. In addition, final swabs and PI solution used for skin disinfection in 80 patients undergoing elective epidural analgesia were evaluated.. The inside of the bottle cap or the PI solution from 40% of the multiple-use PI bottles in use were contaminated. There was no growth from any previously unused PI bottles. Povidone iodine from newly opened bottles provided more effective skin decontamination than did solution from previously opened bottles.. Multiple-use PI bottles in normal use may become contaminated by bacteria. In addition, PI solution from previously opened bottles was less effective than PI from previously unopened bottles. Based on these findings, if PI solution is chosen for skin antisepsis before initiation of epidural and spinal anesthesia, only single-use containers should be used.

Topics: Anesthesia, Epidural; Anti-Infective Agents, Local; Cross Infection; Drug Contamination; Humans; Povidone-Iodine; Skin

Opportunistic infections caused by gram-negative rods (GNR), conventionally regarded as organisms with low or no pathogenicity, and intractable infections caused by various resistant organisms pose a great problem now. In view of this, we determined the bactericidal effects of 5 commonly used disinfectants using as the test strains Xanthomonas maltophilia and Serratia marcescens, chosen among other GNR since they often cause nosocomial infections. Regarding the bactericidal activities against X. maltophilia and S. marcescens, both sensitive strains and resistant strains were killed within 20 s of exposure to povidone-iodine and sodium hypochlorite. With chlorhexidine, 1 strain each of both species was not killed within 10 min of exposure at a concentration of 0.2%. Both sensitive strains and resistant strains of X. maltophilia were killed within 20 s of exposure to benzalkonium at 0.02%, while a concentration of 0.1% was required for benzalkonium to kill S. marcescens within 20 s. With Tego-51, both sensitive strains and resistant strains of X. maltophilia were killed within 20 s at 0.02%, while 1 strain of S. marcescens was not killed within 20 s at a concentration of 0.1%. In the use of disinfectants, comparative bactericidal effects of various disinfectants against clinical isolates should be taken into consideration.

Topics: Anti-Infective Agents, Local; Benzalkonium Compounds; Chlorhexidine; Cross Infection; Disinfectants; Drug Resistance, Microbial; Glycine; Gram-Negative Bacterial Infections; Humans; Iodophors; Opportunistic Infections; Povidone-Iodine; Serratia Infections; Serratia marcescens; Sodium Hypochlorite; Time Factors; Xanthomonas

Two povidone-iodine (PVP-I) preparations, one, an antiseptic handwash and one, a skin disinfectant, were tested against 504 bacterial strains isolated from nosocomial infections in 12 French hospitals. In vitro bactericidal activity was determined by a micromethod, using specific interfering substances over a range of dilutions, after 1, 3 and 5 min exposure times. A 5 log10 reduction of the challenge inoculum was considered as the criterion of efficacy. Any resistant strains were tested with the French Standard (T72300). When the micromethod was carried out at 20 degrees C, 10.7% (54/504) of the strains were resistant to the PVP-I skin disinfectant (dilution 1:10) and 1.6% (8/504) were resistant to the handwashing formulations (dilution 1:3) after 1 min exposure. By increasing the temperature to 32 degrees C, the resistance rate to the skin disinfectant fell to 1.9% (10/504). All of the 18 strains found resistant with the micromethod were sensitive using the French standard.

Topics: Anti-Infective Agents, Local; Bacterial Infections; Cross Infection; Drug Resistance, Microbial; Humans; In Vitro Techniques; Infection Control; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Povidone-Iodine

Topics: Anti-Infective Agents, Local; Cross Infection; Drug Evaluation; Environmental Microbiology; Ethanol; Hand; Hand Disinfection; Humans; Povidone-Iodine; Soaps

The effectivity of Betadine skin and mucosa disinfectant solution and Betadine hand disinfectant soap (MUNDIPHARMA A. G. and EGIS Pharmaceuticals has been examined in hospitalized patients and hospital employees. The history of the production of polyvynilpyrrolidone-iodine (PVP-Iodine) the mechanism of actions and the biological effects of these products have been discussed. Bacteriological samples were collected from the skin of four regions most frequently used for injection (fossa cubitalis, right and left hands and gluteal region, right and left sides) of 10 hospitalized patients before and after washing these regions with Betadine. The average of 68 microorganisms Colony Forming Unit (CFU) recorded before disinfection decreased below 1 CFU on average in the samples taken after disinfection. From both hands of 6 hospital employees 190 CFUs could be demonstrated following washing hands with the commonly used soap. After washing hands with Betadine soap a total of 1 CFU could be demonstrated. The hands of 44 hospital employees were infected with E. coli of non-pathogenous reference strain whereafter samples were collected. After the disinfection of the hands with Betadine liquid soap samples were taken again. In the samples taken before disinfection an average of 745 CFUs, in samples taken after disinfection an average total of 11 CFUs were found. The results prove the outstanding disinfectant action of the two examined Betadine products.

Topics: Colony Count, Microbial; Cross Infection; Disinfection; Drug Evaluation; Humans; Inpatients; Personnel, Hospital; Povidone-Iodine; Skin Diseases, Infectious; Soaps

In early 1983 we experienced a small scale epidemic of Staphylococcus aureus coagulase type IV in the premature infants unit. Children had bacteraemia or impetigo. The microorganism was resistant to methicillin, erythromycin and lincomycin and was susceptible to tetracycline, chloramphenicol and cefmetazole. The results of coagulase typing and antimicrobial sensitivities indicated that these cases represented nosocomial infection with MRSA. The source and route of the infection were investigated, and measures were taken to prevent bacterial spread from carriers and to keep instruments and environments clean. As the source of infection was not identified, we tried wiping the body surface of the premature infants with a diluted IsodineR solution (10% povidone-iodine; 1:100 dilution) in order to prevent colonization of the microorganism on the body surface. As a result, no additional MRSA infection occurred in the premature infant unit. During the subsequent 6 years of frequent surveys of carriers and wiping the appropriate body surface with diluted IsodineR solution we have had no recurrence of MRSA. None of the premature infants wiped with IsodineR solution showed any objective abnormalities, although laboratory testing disclosed an elevated blood iodine level and a transient mild reduction of T4 in some infants.

Topics: Administration, Topical; Carrier State; Cross Infection; Disease Outbreaks; Environmental Microbiology; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Infant, Premature; Infant, Premature, Diseases; Japan; Methicillin Resistance; Povidone-Iodine; Staphylococcal Infections; Staphylococcus aureus; Thyroid Gland

In 1989 we investigated the first instance of Pseudomonas cepacia infections due to intrinsic contamination of a povidone-iodine product. Six patients in a Texas pediatric facility had P. cepacia infection or pseudoinfection (three, peritonitis; one, pseudoperitonitis; and two, pseudobacteremia). Epidemiological studies showed one risk factor for infection of peritoneal fluid with P. cepacia: performance of peritoneal dialysis in the dialysis unit with use of one lot of povidone-iodine later found to be intrinsically contaminated (4/5 vs. 0/16, P = .001). Blood cultures yielded P. cepacia after nurses wiped the tops of blood culture bottles with the povidone-iodine solution before inoculation. P. cepacia was cultured from three povidone-iodine containers used at the hospital and from four containers of the same lot obtained from other health-care facilities in Texas and California. Isolates from patients and the povidone-iodine had similar antibiograms, identical plasmid profiles, and identical DNA banding patterns on the basis of results of ribonucleotide typing. This investigation demonstrates that intrinsic contamination of povidone-iodine solution with P. cepacia can result in infections in addition to colonization and/or pseudoinfection.

Topics: Bacteremia; Burkholderia cepacia; Child, Preschool; Cohort Studies; Cross Infection; Disease Outbreaks; Drug Contamination; Humans; Infant; Intensive Care Units, Pediatric; Peritoneal Dialysis; Peritonitis; Povidone-Iodine; Pseudomonas Infections; Retrospective Studies; Risk Factors; Texas

From January 1980 to July 1990, the Hospital Infections Program of the Centers for Disease Control conducted 125 on-site epidemiologic investigations of nosocomial outbreaks. Seventy-seven (62%) were caused by bacterial pathogens, 11 (9%) were caused by fungi, 10 (8%) were caused by viruses, five (4%) were caused by mycobacteria, and 22 (18%) were caused by toxins or other organisms. The majority of fungi and mycobacterial outbreaks occurred since July 1985. Fourteen (11%) outbreaks were device related, 16 (13%) were procedure related, and 28 (22%) were product related. The proportion of outbreaks involving products, procedures, or devices increased from 47% during 1980-1985 to 67% between 1986 and July 1990. Recent outbreaks have shown that packed red blood cell transfusion-associated Yersinia enterocolitica sepsis results from contamination of the blood by the asymptomatic donor; that povidone-iodine solutions can become intrinsically contaminated and cause outbreaks of infection and/or pseudoinfection; and that rapidly growing mycobacteria can cause chronic otitis media, surgical wound infection, and hemodialysis-associated infections. These and other outbreaks demonstrate how epidemiologic and laboratory investigations can be combined to identify new pathogens and sources of infection and ultimately result in disease prevention.

Topics: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S.; Cross Infection; Disease Outbreaks; Drug Contamination; Humans; Povidone-Iodine; Transfusion Reaction; United States; Vitamin E

In January 1983, a number of premature infants under management in the premature infants' unit of our hospital were found to have bacteremia due to Staphylococcus aureus. By the end of February of the same year, 4 of these infants, who had been treated in the same unit, developed impetigo. The S. aureus responsible for this condition was classified as type IV by a coagulase typing. In a subsequent antimicrobial susceptibility test using the disk diffusion method, this microorganism was found to be resistant to methicillin, erythromycin and lincomycin, and to be susceptible to tetracycline, chloramphenicol and cefmetazole, indicating that it was a methicillin resistant S. aureus (MRSA). Because the result from the coagulase typing agreed with the antimicrobial susceptibility pattern in all cases, we concluded that these cases represented nosocomial infection with MRSA. The source and route of the infection were investigated, and measures taken to prevent bacterial spread from carriers and to keep instruments and environments clean. Although the source of infection was not identified. Then, we tried wiping the body surface of the premature infants with an Isodine solution (10% PVP-I, 1:100 dilution) in order to prevent colonization of the microorganism on the body surface. With this application+, MRSA was no longer detected from the body surface of the premature infants, and no additional MRSA infection occurred in the premature infants' unit. Data collected for premature infants' managed at our hospital in the subsequent 6 years allows us to conclude that MRSA infection can be almost completely controlled by frequent surveys of carriers and appropriate body surface wiping with Isodine solution.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Topics: Cross Infection; Disinfection; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Infant, Premature; Intensive Care Units, Neonatal; Methicillin; Penicillin Resistance; Povidone; Povidone-Iodine; Solutions; Staphylococcal Infections; Staphylococcus aureus; Sterilization

Chlorhexidine gluconate (Hibiclens), povidone-iodine (E-Z Scrub 201), and chloroxylenol (ParaSoft) sponge-brushes were compared for antibacterial efficacy in 2-minute surgical scrubs. Thirty-nine volunteers completed a 7-day baseline period and a 5-day treatment period. Thirteen participants were assigned to a chlorhexidine group, 12 to a povidone-iodine group, and 14 to a chloroxylenol group. Subjects followed a standardized protocol, performing 11 scrubs during the treatment period. Bacterial counts were taken by the glove-juice procedure immediately after scrubbing and at 3 and 6 hours later on days 1, 2, and 5. The use of chlorhexidine achieved significantly (p less than 0.01) greater adjusted mean log10 bacterial count reductions than did povidone-iodine and chloroxylenol at all sampling times, with greater reductions as the study progressed.

Topics: Adult; Chlorhexidine; Colony Count, Microbial; Cross Infection; Hand; Hand Disinfection; Humans; Povidone; Povidone-Iodine; Time Factors; Xylenes

A reduction in the incidence and duration of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infection and colonization was obtained by the introduction of a rigorous control programme. This included computerization of data, improved nursing practices and an antiseptic routine.

Topics: Anti-Infective Agents, Local; Australia; Baths; Cross Infection; Drug Resistance; Hand Disinfection; Hospitals, District; Humans; Methicillin; Povidone; Povidone-Iodine; Staphylococcal Infections; Staphylococcus aureus

Topics: Cross Infection; Disinfectants; Hand Disinfection; Humans; Povidone; Povidone-Iodine

Topics: Cross Infection; Humans; Povidone; Povidone-Iodine

Topics: Adult; Aged; Bacteriological Techniques; Cross Infection; Diagnosis, Differential; Disease Outbreaks; Drug Contamination; Humans; Middle Aged; Povidone; Povidone-Iodine; Pseudomonas; Pseudomonas Infections; Sepsis

Topics: Cross Infection; Humans; Povidone; Povidone-Iodine; Pseudomonas Infections; Sterilization; United States

101 patients with epidemic keratoconjunctivitis were treated with different eye drops: cortisone, antibiotics and P.V.P.-Iodine. The treatment of 19 patients with P.V.P.-Iodine showed that inflammatory symptoms disappeared rapidly; corneal complications however such as superficial keratitis could not be prevented. After the outbreak of epidemic keratoconjunctivitis, severe hygienic measures had been taken at the eye-clinic. On account of the hygienic prophylactic measures further infections could be prevented at the clinic almost completely.

Topics: Administration, Topical; Austria; Betamethasone; Cross Infection; Disease Outbreaks; Humans; Hygiene; Keratoconjunctivitis; Neomycin; Ophthalmic Solutions; Povidone-Iodine

Two aspects of handwashing in hospital were considered. A study was carried out to examine the contamination of bar soap and containers, and the use of antiseptic soaps in reducing the resident flora of the skin. Swabs were collected from soap dishes on six wards and from a bacteriology laboratory on four consecutive days. The unmedicated bar soap was replaced by bar soap containing 2.5% povidone-iodine, and further swabs were collected over a period of seven days. Ninety-two isolates from 48 samples were obtained when unmedicated bar soap was used, and nine isolates from 42 samples when povidone-iodine (Betadine) soap was substituted. The number of organisms recovered when povidone-iodine soap was used was much reduced, and Pseudomonas spp were recovered in low numbers on only one occasion. Six laboratory workers took part in a study to compare bar soap with other agents-povidone-iodine soap, povidone-iodine surgical scrub, povidone-iodine alcoholic solution, chlorhexidine surgical scrub, and alcoholic chlorhexidine. Samples were collected after standard washes and after surgical gloves had been worn for 90 minutes. The effect of multiple washes was assessed by samples collected after six washes with the agent under study (three per day) followed by 90 minutes wearing surgical gloves. The average percentage reduction in normal flora obtained indicated that alcoholic chlorhexidine was superior to the other agents.

Topics: Anti-Infective Agents, Local; Antisepsis; Bacteria; Chlorhexidine; Cross Infection; Drug Contamination; Ethanol; Female; Gloves, Surgical; Hand; Humans; Male; Povidone-Iodine; Skin; Soaps

Particles released into the air by wringing the hands together were collected in a slit sampler before and after washing with bar soap, with three surgical scrubs, and after rubbing them with a spirit-based lotion. The particles were identified, their number estimated, those that bore bacteria counted, and the bacteria themselves classified. It was found that there was a significant increase, averaging 17-fold, in the number of particles carrying viable bacteria released after washing with soap. The increase in bacterial dissemination was suppressed if a surgical scrub was used in place of soap, or when the lotion was used without washing. The number of skin squames released increased by 18-fold or more after washing with soap or a surgical scrub, but not after using the lotion. This suggests that a surgical scrub should be used more widely in clinical practice, and that a spirit-based hand lotion might with advantage become a partial substitute for handwashing, particularly in areas where handwashing is frequent and iatrogenic coagulase-negative staphylococcal infection common.

Topics: Chlorhexidine; Cross Infection; Disinfectants; Disinfection; Epithelial Cells; Hand; Hexachlorophene; Humans; Povidone-Iodine; Skin; Soaps; Sterilization

We evaluated methods to control the spread of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) on our infants' ward during a community outbreak of RSV infection. Methods included isolation and cohorting of infected infants, strict handwashing, use of gowns, and the cohorting of staff to the ill infants. Of 123 infants studied, 36 were admitted with RSV infections. Of the remaining 87 contact infants, eight (19%) acquired nosocomial RSV disease. Three of the eight developed pneumonia and one died. Of the 43 staff members, 24 (56%) became infected and 82% were symptomatic. Four acquired repeated infections within weeks of the initial infection. Studies a year previously had revealed that 45% of contact infants and 42% of the staff had acquired nosocomial RSV infections. Thus, the employed procedures appeared to have decreased the transmission of RSV to infants but not to the staff. Staff may continue to be infected by large droplets from close contact with ill infants or by self-inoculation of contaminated secretions.

Topics: Antisepsis; Cross Infection; Disease Outbreaks; Female; Humans; Infant; Male; Nurseries, Hospital; Patient Isolation; Personnel, Hospital; Povidone-Iodine; Respiratory Syncytial Viruses; Respiratory Tract Infections; Respirovirus Infections; Risk; Visitors to Patients

Topics: Bacteria; Burns; Cross Infection; Escherichia coli; Escherichia coli Infections; Evaluation Studies as Topic; Gastroenteritis; Hand; Hexachlorophene; Humans; Hygiene; Infant Care; Intensive Care Units; Medical Staff, Hospital; Methods; Nurseries, Hospital; Nursing Staff, Hospital; Povidone-Iodine; Pseudomonas aeruginosa; Skin; Soaps; Staphylococcus; Streptococcus

Topics: Acute Disease; Ampicillin; Appendectomy; Appendicitis; Cross Infection; Humans; Povidone; Povidone-Iodine; Surgical Wound Infection; Tetracycline

Topics: Anti-Infective Agents, Local; Antisepsis; Bacteria; Bacterial Infections; Bacteriological Techniques; Cocos; Cross Infection; Ethanol; Evaluation Studies as Topic; Hand; Hexachlorophene; Humans; Infant; Nurseries, Hospital; Nursing Care; Nursing Staff, Hospital; Oils; Povidone-Iodine; Soaps; Staphylococcus; Streptococcus; Surface-Active Agents

Topics: Antisepsis; Cross Infection; Drug Combinations; Enterobacteriaceae Infections; Evaluation Studies as Topic; Humans; Iodine; Povidone; Povidone-Iodine; Surgical Procedures, Operative; Surgical Wound Infection

Topics: Cross Infection; Equipment and Supplies, Hospital; Filtration; Housekeeping, Hospital; Hydrotherapy; Methods; Povidone; Povidone-Iodine; Sterilization; Swimming Pools

Topics: Cross Infection; Disinfectants; Drug Packaging; Drug Storage; Povidone-Iodine; Pseudomonas Infections