Reduction in bacterial load using hypochlorous acid hygiene solution on ocular skin.

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Microbiology
• Dermatology

Background:

• Periocular skin harbors a diverse bacterial population, including staphylococci, which can contribute to ocular surface disease.
• Maintaining ocular hygiene is crucial for preventing infections and managing conditions like blepharitis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To quantify the bacterial load reduction on periocular skin 20 minutes after applying a saline hygiene solution with 0.01% hypochlorous acid (HOCl).
• To assess the impact of the HOCl solution on the diversity of bacterial species present on the skin.

Main Methods:

• Microbiological specimens were collected from 71 eyes (36 patients) immediately before and 20 minutes after HOCl solution application.
• Bacterial isolates were quantified, identified to species level, and their antibiotic susceptibility profiles were determined.

Main Results:

• A >99% reduction in staphylococcal load was observed 20 minutes post-application, with a 99.5% reduction in *Staphylococcus epidermidis* colony-forming units.
• The HOCl solution effectively removed both antibiotic-susceptible and multi-drug resistant staphylococcal isolates.
• No significant changes in the distribution of Gram-positive, Gram-negative, or anaerobic species were noted post-treatment.

Conclusions:

• A saline hygiene solution preserved with pure hypochlorous acid (HOCl) significantly reduces bacterial load on periocular skin.
• The HOCl solution demonstrated efficacy against staphylococcal bacteria, including antibiotic-resistant strains.
• The treatment preserved the overall diversity of remaining bacterial species on the skin.