Comparative efficiency of chlorhexidine and ethanol in umbilical cord care.

Recurrent epidemic spread of beta-hemolytic streptococci of Lancefield group A was seen in our maternity wards during a period when 70% ethanol was used for umbilical care. This prompted us to compare this regimen with one using 4% chlorhexidine in detergent for a period of 9 consecutive months. 2016 infants were studied. Umbilical colonization with group A, C and G streptococci was almost eliminated by use of 4% chlorhexidine in detergent and epidemic spread was not seen. Colonization rate of Staphylococcus aureus at the umbilical cord was reduced from 92% to 27%. The incidence of superficial infections during the first 4 postnatal weeks was reduced. Following the 9 months of comparative study 4% chlorhexidine in detergent has been routinely used in umbilical cord care at our hospital for more than 1 year without any epidemic spread of streptococci and with the same antibacterial efficiency.