Biofilm-forming skin microflora bacteria are resistant to the bactericidal action of disinfectants used during blood donation.

BACKGROUND

A one-step skin disinfection method containing 2% chlorhexidine-gluconate (CHG) and 70% isopropyl alcohol (IPA) is currently used by blood suppliers worldwide. Reports of bacterially contaminated platelet concentrates (PCs) indicate that skin disinfection is not fully effective. Approximately 20% of skin microflora exist as surface-attached aggregates (biofilms), known for displaying increased resistance to disinfectants. This study was aimed at determining whether skin microflora biofilm-positive Staphylococcus epidermidis and Staphylococcus capitis are resistant to CHG and/or IPA.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

Free-floating cells and mono or dual (1 : 1 ratio) biofilms of S. epidermidis and S. capitis were exposed to CHG, IPA, or CHG/IPA for 30 seconds, simulating skin disinfection practices. Residual viable cells were quantified by colony counting. Morphology of disinfectant-treated S. epidermidis biofilms was examined by scanning electron microscopy. Treated S. epidermidis and S. capitis biofilms were inoculated into PCs and bacterial concentrations were determined on Days 0 and 5 of storage.

RESULTS

Treatment of staphylococcal biofilm cells with all disinfectants caused cell damage and significant reduction in viability, with CHG/IPA being the most effective. However, biofilms were significantly more resistant to treatment than free-floating cells. Disinfectant-treated S. epidermidis proliferated better in PCs than S. capitis, especially when grown as monospecies biofilms.

CONCLUSION

Although CHG/IPA is effective in reducing the viability of S. epidermidis and S. capitis biofilms, these organisms are not completely eliminated. Furthermore, disinfectant-treated staphylococcal biofilms multiply well in PCs. These results demonstrate that the biofilm-forming capability of the skin microflora reduces the bactericidal efficiency of blood donor skin disinfectants.