A randomized trial of the bactericidal effects of chlorhexidine vs povidone-iodine vaginal preparation

Precesarean vaginal preparation significantly reduces postpartum infections. Although povidone-iodine is the most commonly used vaginal antiseptic, evidence suggests that chlorhexidine gluconate may be more effective.

We aimed to compare the bactericidal effect of chlorhexidine gluconate and povidone-iodine on vaginal bacterial colony counts in pregnancy.

We conducted a prospective randomized controlled trial of vaginal preparation with 0.5% chlorhexidine gluconate vs 10% povidone-iodine vs saline in women undergoing cesarean delivery at ≥34 weeks' gestation. Women in labor or those with ruptured membranes, chorioamnionitis, abnormal placentation, or allergy to study agents were excluded. Vaginal specimens were collected aseptically in the operating room immediately before and 5-10 minutes after vaginal cleansing with 3 sterile sponge sticks. Our primary outcome was postintervention aerobic and anaerobic bacterial colony counts, assessed by blinded investigators. Two-way analysis of variance with simple-effects analysis and Tukey post hoc test were used for multiple group comparisons. Secondary outcomes included baseline colony counts, change in colony counts, adverse events, and maternal infections.

A total of 29 women consented and underwent vaginal preparation with chlorhexidine gluconate (n=10), povidone-iodine (n=9), or saline (n=10). Groups were similar with respect to maternal age, body mass index, race, ethnicity, parity, group B streptococcus status, and gestational age. There were no differences in baseline colony counts. Vaginal preparation with povidone-iodine resulted in lower aerobic and anaerobic colony counts compared with chlorhexidine gluconate and saline (P≤.01 and P≤.0001, respectively). Povidone-iodine eliminated more than 99.9% of bacteria, whereas chlorhexidine gluconate and saline eliminated more than 99% and 95% of bacteria, respectively. Although all agents decreased aerobic and anaerobic bacterial counts, 0.5% chlorhexidine gluconate was no more effective than saline in reducing anaerobic bacteria. There were no reported adverse effects or postpartum infections.

Compared with 0.5% chlorhexidine gluconate, 10% povidone-iodine was more effective in reducing vaginal bacterial colony counts before cesarean delivery.