Evaluation of Persistent Antimicrobial Effects of an Antimicrobial Formulation

Abstract

Context: Community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is becoming more prevalent in healthy athletic populations. Various preventive measures have been proposed, but few researchers have evaluated the protective effects of a prophylactic application of a commercially available product. Objective: To compare the persistent antimicrobial properties of a commercially available antimicrobial product containing 4% chlorhexidine gluconate (Hibiclens) with those of a mild, nonmedicated soap (Dr. Bronner's Magic Soap). Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: Microbiology laboratory, contract research organization. Patients or Other Participants: Twenty healthy human volunteers. Intervention(s): The test and control products were randomly assigned and applied to both forearms of each participant. Each forearm was washed for 2 minutes with the test or control product, rinsed, and dried. At, 1, 2, and 4 hours after application, each forearm was exposed to MRSA for approximately 30 minutes. Main Outcome Measure(s): Differences in numbers of MRSA recovered from each forearm, test and control, at each postapplication time point were compared. Results: Fewer MRSA (P < .0001) were recovered from the forearms treated with the test product (4% chlorhexidine gluconate) than from the forearms treated with the control product (nonmedicated soap). Conclusions: The 4% chlorhexidine gluconate product demonstrated persistent bactericidal activity versus MRSA for up to 4 hours after application.