Chlorhexidine for prevention of neonatal colonization with group B streptococci. I. In vitro effect of chlorhexidine on group B streptococci

Summary, in English

Forty-three strains of group B streptococci (GBS) of types Ia, Ib, II and III were tested for susceptibility to chlorhexidine in concentrations ranging from 256 to 0.25 mg/l using the agar and tube dilution methods. The strains showed minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values ranging from 0.5 to 1 mg/l. Serum added to the test medium (50%) increased the MIC values to 4-8 mg/l, while amniotic fluid (50%) had almost no effect, increasing the values to 1-2 mg/l. The minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) ranged from 1 to 5 mg/l. The killing kinetics were related to the concentration of chlorhexidine and the length of exposure. For example, at a concentration of 63 mg/l, 7 h were required for a bactericidal effect in broth, as compared to 1 h at 500 mg/l chlorhexidine. 200 mg/l chlordexidine had no effect on the adherence of two GBS strains to vaginal epithelial cells, and no effect on the phagocytosis of GBS with mouse peritoneal macrophages.

• Author: Karen Kvist Christensen; Poul Christensen; Anna-Karin Dykes; Gunnar Kahlmeter; Daya N Kurl; Viveka Linden
• Department/s: Department of Health Sciences
• Publishing year: 1983
• Language: English
• Pages: 157-165
• Publication/Series: European Journal of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology
• Volume: 16
• Issue: 3
• Links: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/0028-2243(83)90095-3
• Document type: Journal article
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Topic: Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine
• Keywords: group B streptococci; chlorhexidine; minimal inhibitory concentration; minimal bactericidal concentration; adherence; phagocytosis
• Status: Published
• ISBN/ISSN/Other: ISSN: 0301-2115