Molnlycke Advocates Use of Antimicrobial Soaps With CHG to Help Fight MRSA

NORCROSS, Ga., June 28 /PRNewswire/ -- New studies continue to indicate a rise in the prevalence of MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus); however, antimicrobial skin cleansers containing the active ingredient chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) are playing a key role in prevention.

A recent study released by the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology reports that U.S. hospital patients are contracting MRSA at 10 times the rate that some health officials had previously estimated (1). Also noted, were the "community-associated" outbreaks that have occurred among sports teams and correctional facilities where the infection can spread easily.

"MRSA can survive for weeks on objects such as sheets and towels that have not been properly washed and dried (2)," Jack Doornbos, director of channel marketing, Molnlycke Health Care US. "Skin contact with contaminated sheets and towels can pass on the infection. That's one reason we are hearing of more reported MRSA cases in the community where use of antimicrobial, antiseptic skin cleaners with CHG could help in prevention."

MRSA and Staphylococcus aureus, in general, are germs that live on the skin of healthy people and spread from person-to-person on contaminated hands, skin and surfaces. They have the potential to become serious infections when they enter the body through scrapes and scratches potentially leading to blood and joint infections, pneumonia and even death.

Use of antimicrobial, antiseptic skin cleansers containing CHG, such as Hibiclens(R), may result in a reduction in the incidents of such infections because of the ability to kill germs on contact and bond to the skin to keep killing microorganisms up to six hours after washing (3).

"As MRSA becomes increasingly prevalent among the general public, concern amplifies among sports teams, in schools and correctional facilities and in other settings where there are locker rooms, close quarters, and sharing of towels, equipment and whirlpools," explains Douglas R. Smith, MD, a correctional medicine physician in Miami, FL.

A key to prevention of a MRSA infection is keeping hands clean to reduce the risk of cross-contamination. However, many of the products used by consumers do not contain pharmaceutical-quality, antimicrobial agents with residual activity, according to Doornbos.

Residual activity works when the antimicrobial bonds with the skin to prevent re-colonization. For hand cleansers, this means the antimicrobial continues to provide killing action for a period of time after washing. Alcohol is a common hand antiseptic and is extremely effective for immediate kill. However, when alcohol dries, the germ-killing action stops. The next contaminated object touched can recontaminate the hand.

Since locker rooms and athletic facilities are not sterile environments, potentially harmful microbes may live on many surfaces in these settings, so an effective MRSA prevention program should include antimicrobial products containing CHG.

"Our department has successfully been using Hibiclens for more than 10 years to lessen the severity of infections and help prevent the spread of germs such as those associated with MRSA and other staph bacteria," said Craig Clark, The Citadel's assistant director of sports medicine. "Our department also uses Hibiclens as their regular hand wash instead of soap and water, and I can safely say we have not had a single staff member contract a MRSA infection to date."

Hibiclens, containing (4) percent CHG, had the lowest irritation potential of 12 antiseptics tested - except for water, the negative control (4). Hibiclens is available in the first aid sections at drug stores and pharmacies located in discount retailers.

About Molnlycke Health Care US, LLC

Molnlycke Health Care US, LLC, consists of two divisions -- Surgical and Wound Care. Focusing on prevention of surgically-related infections for both patients and healthcare workers, the Surgical Division (formerly Regent Medical Americas, LLC) encompasses the world's leading manufacturer and supplier of powder-free surgical gloves (Biogel(R) surgical gloves); the number one supplier (by value) of skin cleanser (Hibiclens(R) and Hibistat(R) antiseptics); and BARRIER(R) protective clothing. A leader in trauma and pain management, the Wound Care Division's market dynamics are driven by an aging population, higher incidence of pressure ulcers and increased home treatment.

(1) Stobbe, Mike. Staph Superbug May Be Infecting Patients. Atlanta Journal Constitution. June 25, 2007. Accessed at: http://www.ajc.com/health/content/sharedgen/ap/Health_Medical/ Staph_Infections.html. (2) Neely AN, Maley MP. Survival of Enterococci and Staphlococci on Hospital Fabrics and Plastic. Journal of Clinical Microbiology: 38(2); Feb 2000; 724-726. Regent Medical Study #030917-150. PRACS Irritation Study #R05-0225. (3) Regent Medical Study #030917-150. (4) PRACS Irritation Study #R05-0225.