Abstract
Different antiseptic formulations have shown limitations when applied to disinfecting
intact skin, notably short-term tolerability and/or efficacy. The purpose of this
study was optimizing a new antiseptic formulation specifically targeted at intact
skin disinfection and evaluating its in vitro microbicidal activity and in vivo efficacy.
Methods: The biocidal properties of the antiseptic solution containing 0.5% chloramine-T diluted
in 50% isopropyl alcohol (Cloral; Eurospital SpA Trieste, Italy) were measured in
vitro versus gram-positive-, gram-negative-, and acid-alcohol-resistant germs and
fungi with standard suspension tests in the presence of fetal bovine serum. Virus-inhibiting
activity was evaluated in vitro against human cytomegalovirus, herpes simplex virus,
poliovirus, hepatitis B virus, and hepatitis C virus. Tests used different methods
for the different biologic and in vitro replication capacity of these human viruses.
Lastly, Cloral tolerability and skin colonization retardation efficacy after disinfection
were studied in vivo. Results: The antiseptic under review showed fast and sustained antimicrobial activity. The
efficacy of Cloral against clinically important bacterial and viral pathogens and
fungi was highlighted under the experimental conditions described in this article.
Finally, microbial regrowth lag and no side effects were documented in vivo after
disinfection of 11 volunteers. Conclusions: A stable chloramine-T solution in isopropyl alcohol may be suggested for intact skin
antisepsis. (Am J Infect Control 2002;31:117-23.)
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Article info
Footnotes
*Supported in part by a grant from Eurospital SpA, Trieste, Italy.
**Reprint requests: Antonello Russo, Pharm D, Eurospital SpA, 122 Via Flavia, I-34147 Trieste, Italy.
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© 2003 Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
