Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 23, 2026
An Antimicrobial Fabric Using Nano-Herbal Encapsulation of Essential Oils
Published on: April 7, 2023
Evaluation of persistent antimicrobial effects of an antimicrobial formulation
Michael S Ferrara1, Ron Courson, Daryl S Paulson
1Department of Kinesiology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA. mferrara@uga.edu
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 post-application 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.
Insights
A 4% chlorhexidine gluconate antiseptic wash effectively reduced methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) on skin for up to four hours. This study compared its persistent antimicrobial properties against non-medicated soap in healthy volunteers.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Dermatology
Background:
- Community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is increasingly prevalent in athletic populations.
- Preventive measures are crucial, yet few studies evaluate prophylactic antimicrobial product efficacy.
- This research addresses the need for evidence-based MRSA prevention strategies in active individuals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the persistent antimicrobial activity of 4% chlorhexidine gluconate (Hibiclens) against MRSA with a non-medicated soap.
- To evaluate the duration of bactericidal effect after a single application.
- To provide data on the effectiveness of a common antiseptic in reducing MRSA colonization.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 20 healthy volunteers.
- Randomized application of 4% chlorhexidine gluconate or non-medicated soap to participants' forearms.
- Exposure of treated forearms to MRSA at 1, 2, and 4 hours post-application, with subsequent bacterial recovery comparison.
Main Results:
- Significantly fewer MRSA were recovered from forearms treated with 4% chlorhexidine gluconate compared to non-medicated soap (P < .0001).
- The antimicrobial effect of chlorhexidine gluconate persisted for at least 4 hours.
- The study demonstrated a clear difference in MRSA reduction between the antiseptic and control products.
Conclusions:
- 4% chlorhexidine gluconate exhibits persistent bactericidal activity against MRSA on human skin for up to 4 hours.
- This antiseptic wash is a potentially effective prophylactic measure against MRSA in high-risk populations.
- Further research could explore optimal application protocols and long-term efficacy.
