Antimicrobial Activity of a Novel Vascular Access Film Dressing Containing Chlorhexidine Gluconate

Abstract

BackgroundCovering insertion sites with chlorhexidine impregnated dressings has been proven to be clinically effective in reducing catheter related blood stream infections (CR-BSI). Two chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG)-impregnated dressings are commercially available, a polyurethane foam disk and a film dressing containing a chlorhexidine gluconate-impregnated gel pad. While both have demonstrated efficacy in clinical settings, the major drawback of high cost and impaired IV insertion site visibility limits their usage. A new, simple film dressing containing CHG within its adhesive layer is now available. The objective of this study was to test the in vitro antimicrobial efficacy of the new dressing in comparison to the CHG-impregnated gel dressing.MethodsQuantitative aliquots of suspensions (concentration of 1.0x106 to 5.0x106 cfu/sample) of clinically relevant challenge organisms (Staphylococcus species, gram-negative bacilli, Candida albicans) were incubated in contact with the new CHG-containing film dressing, a placebo version of the same (negative control) and the commercially available CHG-impregnated gel dressing (positive control). Serial dilutions of the surviving organisms were quantified using the pour plate after 1, 3, 5, and 7 days of incubation in order to calculate an antimicrobial log10 reduction for each organism/dressing combination at each point in time.ResultsThe new CHG-containing film dressing delivered greater than 5.0 log10 reduction throughout the 7 days on all aerobic gram-negative bacilli and Staphylococcus species tested. As of day 1 the CHG-containing film dressing provided greater than 5.0 log10 reduction on Candida albicans. There were no statistically significant differences in the log10 reduction between the two dressings tested.ConclusionThe new CHG-containing film dressing was found to be as effective as the chlorhexidine gluconate-impregnated gel dressing on clinically relevant microbes.

Preliminary analysis of the antimicrobial activity of a postoperative wound dressing containing chlorhexidine gluconate against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in an in vivo porcine incisional wound model

“…Before enumeration, tissue-and-dressing samples were homogenized in a sterile tissue grinder and suspended in 5 mL of Dey/Engley (D/E) broth to neutralize the antimicrobial activity of the CHG. D/E broth has been previously demonstrated to be an appropriate neutralizing medium for MRSA culture in the presence of the CHG-containing adhesive. 34 The actual concentration of the inoculum suspension was quantified by enumeration without predilution into D/E broth.…”

Synergistic effect of low doses of Chlorhexidine and Clotrimazole against Candida spp.

“…0.1%-1% chlorhexidine is the most commonly used formulation for mouthwashes [6]. It is widely used to prevent periodontal diseases, dental caries, and mucositis [7]. Furthermore, chlorhexidine is recommended as an antiseptic agent in oral surgery procedures and as a cleaning agent for dental prostheses [1].…”