The impact of chlorhexidine gluconate on the skin microbiota of children and adults: A pilot study

Am J Infect Control. 2019 Aug;47(8):1014-1016. doi: 10.1016/j.ajic.2019.01.024. Epub 2019 Mar 15.

Abstract

We examined the effect of chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) bathing on the skin microbiota of adult and pediatric patients. We observed no differences in pediatric patients; however, multiple genera of bacteria were observed to be significantly less abundant in the adults bathing with CHG. Further research is needed to determine the long-term impact of CHG use on the skin microbiota.

Keywords: 16S rRNA sequencing; Antiseptics; Microbiome; Pediatrics.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anti-Infective Agents, Local / pharmacology*
  • Bacteria / classification
  • Bacteria / drug effects
  • Child
  • Chlorhexidine / analogs & derivatives*
  • Chlorhexidine / pharmacology
  • Humans
  • Microbiota / drug effects*
  • Pilot Projects
  • Skin / microbiology*

Substances

  • Anti-Infective Agents, Local
  • chlorhexidine gluconate
  • Chlorhexidine