Impact of universal chlorhexidine bathing with or without COVID-19 intensive training on staff and resident COVID-19 case rates in nursing homes

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol. 2024 Jul;45(7):906-909. doi: 10.1017/ice.2024.30. Epub 2024 Mar 5.

Abstract

We evaluated whether universal chlorhexidine bathing (decolonization) with or without COVID-19 intensive training impacted COVID-19 rates in 63 nursing homes (NHs) during the 2020-2021 Fall/Winter surge. Decolonization was associated with a 43% lesser rise in staff case-rates (P < .001) and a 52% lesser rise in resident case-rates (P < .001) versus control.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • COVID-19* / epidemiology
  • COVID-19* / mortality
  • COVID-19* / prevention & control
  • COVID-19* / transmission
  • California / epidemiology
  • Chlorhexidine* / administration & dosage
  • Disinfectants* / administration & dosage
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Incidence
  • Male
  • Medical Staff
  • Non-Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
  • Nursing Homes*

Substances

  • Chlorhexidine
  • Disinfectants