Two Controlled Trials Confirm Effectiveness of Daily Chlorhexidine Bathing

In two multicenter, cluster-randomized trials (one in children, one in adults), chlorhexidine bathing significantly reduced hospital-acquired bloodstream infections.

Several uncontrolled studies have suggested that daily chlorhexidine bathing can reduce the risk for healthcare-associated bloodstream infections (BSIs) and acquisition of resistant bacteria, such as vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) (JW Infect Dis Jun 17 2009). Now, with partial support from Sage Products (makers of chlorhexidine washcloths), two groups of researchers have conducted randomized, controlled trials to explore this intervention.

In one study, nine adult intensive care units (ICUs) and bone marrow transplantation units in six hospitals were randomly assigned to daily patient bathing with no-rinse 2% chlorhexidine–impregnated washcloths or nonantimicrobial washcloths. Af…

Reviewing Author

Daniel J. Diekema, MD, D(ABMM)