SETTING AND OBJECTIVE: Antiseptics are frequently used to prevent mycobacte
rial infection; however, the reported activities of a number of antiseptics
against mycobacteria are not always consistent, The aim of this study was
to determine those antiseptics that are useful against mycobacteria.
DESIGN: Evaluation of antiseptic activity against mycobacteria in vitro.
RESULTS: The effects of different antiseptics on mycobacteria (Mycobacteriu
m avium, M. kansasii and M. tuberculosis) were examined. At concentrations
of 0.05%, povidone-iodine (PVP-I) killed 99% or more of all strains tested
within 15 seconds, while 0.5% chlorhexidine gluconate and 0.1% benzalkonium
chloride showed no bactericidal activity against mycobacteria. M. kansasii
and M. tuberculosis were killed after exposure to cresol for 60 seconds at
concentrations of 1.0%, but M. avium was unaffected even after 60 seconds.
While M. kansasii and M. tuberculosis were killed by treatment with 2.0% g
lutaraldehyde for 5 minutes, M. avium was highly resistant to this agent.
CONCLUSION: PVP-I seems to be a useful antiseptic against mycobacteria. The
measured activity of antiseptics should be interpreted carefully, due to t
he potential for interference by artifacts.