Biomaterial Database

A laboratory model for testing agents for hygienic hand disinfection: handwashing and chlorhexidine for the removal of klebsiella. 1988

M W Casewell, and M M Law, and N Desai

Department of Medical Microbiology, King's College School of Medicine and Dentistry, Denmark Hill, London, UK.

A model for the laboratory assessment of hygienic hand disinfection is described which closely reproduces handwashing in a ward setting. The model uses a clinically relevant test organism and takes into account the natural antibacterial action of the skin. It also provides a means of measuring any residual antibacterial action after hand disinfection. Using an epidemic multiply-resistant strain of Klebsiella aerogenes K21, 0.5% chlorhexidine in iso-propyl alcohol yielded sterile post-disinfection finger washings more often than 4% chlorhexidine digluconate. Both preparations were more effective than soap and water, and with each residual action was demonstrable. The model is applicable to the laboratory evaluation of hygienic hand procedures and for agents of potential use in defined clinical settings.

UI	MeSH Term	Description	Entries
D007709	Klebsiella	A genus of gram-negative, facultatively anaerobic, rod-shaped bacteria whose organisms arrange singly, in pairs, or short chains. This genus is commonly found in the intestinal tract and is an opportunistic pathogen that can give rise to bacteremia, pneumonia, urinary tract and several other types of human infection.
D008962	Models, Theoretical	Theoretical representations that simulate the behavior or activity of systems, processes, or phenomena. They include the use of mathematical equations, computers, and other electronic equipment.	Experimental Model,Experimental Models,Mathematical Model,Model, Experimental,Models (Theoretical),Models, Experimental,Models, Theoretic,Theoretical Study,Mathematical Models,Model (Theoretical),Model, Mathematical,Model, Theoretical,Models, Mathematical,Studies, Theoretical,Study, Theoretical,Theoretical Model,Theoretical Models,Theoretical Studies
D002710	Chlorhexidine	A disinfectant and topical anti-infective agent used also as mouthwash to prevent oral plaque.	Chlorhexidine Acetate,Chlorhexidine Hydrochloride,MK-412A,Novalsan,Sebidin A,Tubulicid,Acetate, Chlorhexidine,Hydrochloride, Chlorhexidine,MK 412A,MK412A
D004203	Disinfection	Rendering pathogens harmless through the use of heat, antiseptics, antibacterial agents, etc.
D005260	Female		Females
D006235	Hand Disinfection	The act of cleansing the hands with water or other liquid, with or without the inclusion of soap or other detergent, for the purpose of destroying infectious microorganisms.	Disinfection, Hand,Handwashing,Hand Sanitization,Hand Washing,Scrubbing, Surgical,Surgical Scrubbing,Hand Washings,Sanitization, Hand,Washing, Hand,Washings, Hand
D006801	Humans	Members of the species Homo sapiens.	Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D000328	Adult	A person having attained full growth or maturity. Adults are of 19 through 44 years of age. For a person between 19 and 24 years of age, YOUNG ADULT is available.	Adults
D000433	1-Propanol	A colorless liquid made by oxidation of aliphatic hydrocarbons that is used as a solvent and chemical intermediate.	Alcohol, Propyl,Propanol,n-Propanol,Propyl Alcohol
D012915	Soaps	Sodium or potassium salts of long chain fatty acids. These detergent substances are obtained by boiling natural oils or fats with caustic alkali. Sodium soaps are harder and are used as topical anti-infectives and vehicles in pills and liniments; potassium soaps are soft, used as vehicles for ointments and also as topical antimicrobials.	Soap Solution,Soap,Soap Solutions,Solution, Soap,Solutions, Soap