IngentaConnect Efficacy of common antiseptics against mycobacteria

Authors: T. Rikimaru¹; M. Kondo²; S. Kondo²; K. Oizumi¹

Source: The International Journal of Tuberculosis and Lung Disease, Volume 4, Number 6, June 2000 , pp. 570-576(7)

Publisher: International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease

Abstract:

SETTING AND OBJECTIVE: Antiseptics are frequently used to prevent mycobacterial infection; however, the reported activities of a number of antiseptics against mycobacteria are not always consistent. The aim of this study was to determine those antiseptics that are useful against mycobacteria.

dESIGN: Evaluation of antiseptic activity against mycobacteria in vitro.

RESULTS: The effects of different antiseptics on mycobacteria (Mycobacterium avium, M. kansasii and M. tuberculosis) were examined. At concentrations of 0.05%, povidone-iodine (PVP-I) killed 99% or more of all strains tested within 15 seconds, while 0.5% chlorhexidine gluconate and 0.1% benzalkonium chloride showed no bactericidal activity against mycobacteria. M. kansasii and M. tuberculosis were killed after exposure to cresol for 60 seconds at concentrations of 1.0%, but M. avium was unaffected even after 60 seconds. While M. kansasii and M. tuberculosis were killed by treatment with 2.0% glutaraldehyde for 5 minutes, M. avium was highly resistant to this agent.

CONCLUSION: PVP-I seems to be a useful antiseptic against mycobacteria. The measured activity of antiseptics should be interpreted carefully, due to the potential for interference by artifacts.

Keywords: mycobacteria; antiseptic; neutralizer; isodine; povidone-iodine

Document Type: Regular paper

Affiliations: 1: Department of Internal Medicine, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume, Japan 2: Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume, Japan