Efficacy of preoperative antimicrobial skin preparation solutions on biofilm bacteria

ABSTRACT
- RESEARCH ON THE MEDICAL EFFICACY of topical antimicrobials and antibiotics against infections has focused largely on the effect on free-floating, planktonic bacteria.
- IN THE PRESENCE OF nonbiological surfaces (eg, catheters, prosthetic devices, biomaterials), however, bacteria form highly complex biofilm systems that resist traditional medical treatment.
- BACTERIAL PATHOGENS commonly found in chronic infections in both the planktonic and biofilm stae were challenged with a variety of commonly used topical antimicrobial formulations.
- BIOFILM BACTERIA were shown to be more resistant to killing than planktonic bacteria. Antimicrobial skin preparation times were adequate to significantly reduce bacterial populations protected in biofilms. AORN J 81 (March 2005) 492-501.