Chlorhexidine resistance in antibiotic-resistant bacteria isolated from the surfaces of dispensers of soap containing chlorhexidine

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol. 2002 Nov;23(11):692-5. doi: 10.1086/501996.

Abstract

Bacterial contamination with pan-resistant Acinetobacter and Klebsiella, multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas, and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) was noted on the surfaces of dispensers of hand soap with 2% chlorhexidine. Gram-negative isolates could multiply in the presence of 1% chlorhexidine. In contrast, MRSA was inhibited in vitro by chlorhexidine at concentrations as low as 0.0019%.

MeSH terms

  • Bacteria / classification
  • Bacteria / drug effects*
  • Chlorhexidine / pharmacology*
  • Disinfectants / pharmacology*
  • Drug Resistance, Microbial*
  • Equipment Contamination*
  • Hospitals, Urban
  • Humans
  • Microbial Sensitivity Tests
  • New York City
  • Soaps*

Substances

  • Disinfectants
  • Soaps
  • Chlorhexidine