In vitro and in vivo evaluation of efficacy of citrate/methylene blue/parabens/IPA solution as a skin disinfectant

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the bactericidal activity of a new antiseptic in an in vitro model using reference bacterial strains and on abdominal and inguinal skin of healthy human subjects. ZuraPrep(TM) (C/MB/P/IPA) contains citrate, methylene blue, parabens and isopropyl alcohol 70%. Methods: In vitro and in vivo studies evaluate immediate and persistent activity of the tested solution using bovine rawhides inoculated with single strains of microorganisms and natural bacterial flora on skin of adult human subjects. Depending upon the anatomical site (abdominal or inguinal), several different configurations of test times were executed. Post-prep surface cultures were performed at 10 min and 6 h after application of the test solution. Results: Tested solution showed high efficiency in log reduction of viable microbes both in vitro and in vivo. Post-prep activity 10 min after application ranged from 2.5 to 3 log(10) reduction from baseline on abdominal sites and 3.5-4.5 on inguinal sites. Similar levels of reduction persisted 6 h after application. Conclusion: The level of antisepsis provided by the tested solution is similar or greater than that obtained with other antiseptics currently in use, and further clinical testing of the new antiseptic is warranted. (C) 2009 The British Infection Society. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.