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Published on: November 1, 2024
Propionibacterium acnes Has Low Susceptibility to Chlorhexidine Digluconate
Keisuke Nakase1, Hanae Fukushima1, Tomoko Yukawa1
11 Department of Microbiology, School of Pharmacy, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences , Tokyo, Japan .
Chlorhexidine digluconate (CHG) showed limited bactericidal activity against Propionibacterium acnes, a common cause of surgical site infections (SSIs). Disinfectant choice and contact time are critical for preventing SSIs from skin bacteria.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Dermatology
Background:
- Propionibacterium acnes is a significant contributor to surgical site infections (SSIs).
- Effective skin disinfection is crucial for preventing SSIs caused by skin bacteria.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the susceptibility of clinical isolates of P. acnes and Staphylococcus epidermidis to various disinfectants.
- To determine the minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBCs) of disinfectants against these skin bacteria.
Main Methods:
- Susceptibility testing of P. acnes and S. epidermidis clinical isolates.
- Determination of minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) and minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBCs) for disinfectants including chlorhexidine digluconate (CHG).
Main Results:
- Some P. acnes strains exhibited high CHG MBCs, exceeding commercial concentrations, indicating reduced susceptibility.
- CHG demonstrated significantly lower MBCs against S. epidermidis compared to P. acnes.
- Other disinfectants like glutaraldehyde and sodium hypochlorite showed effective bactericidal activity against P. acnes at concentrations below their commercial levels.
Conclusions:
- Skin bacteria exhibit varying susceptibilities to disinfectants.
- Disinfectant selection and application time must ensure bactericidal activity against all potential SSI-causing skin bacteria, including P. acnes.
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