Journal of Patient Care

Abstract

Antimicrobial Effectiveness of Rinse-Free Hospital Bathing Cleansers after 24 h of Initial Exposure to Common Pathogenic Micro-Organisms

Joe Olivi, Cindy L Austin and Simon J Thompson

Rinse-free disposable bathing clothes are increasingly more popular in the patient and home healthcare setting due to the antimicrobial properties, skin protection and convenience. Several rinse-free hospital bathing products are available for patient hygiene, but limited data exist regarding the comparative reduction in bioburden for epidemiologically important microorganisms causing hospital acquired infections. This study compared the antimicrobial effects of three common rinse-free hospital bathing cleansers. The antimicrobial effects of each cleanser (colloidal silver, benzalkonium chloride and methylpropanediol) were examined against ATCC bacterial strains (E. coli, VRE, MRSA) and one fungus (C. albicans). In addition, a patient derived sample of C. albicans and VRE was tested. With the exception of E. coli, across all test organisms and all cleansers, the Colloidal Silver solution sustained a substantially higher reduction in microbial growth proving after 24 h as an effective antimicrobial against multiple organisms including: MRSA, VRE, and C. albicans. Each pathogen presents unique risks to patients and challenges for the healthcare provider; therefore, the use of rinse-free bathing cleansers containing Colloidal Silver is warranted.