Glycerol content within the WHO ethanol-based handrub formulation: balancing tolerability with antimicrobial efficacy

Menegueti, Mayra Gonçalves; Laus, Ana Maria; Ciol, Márcia Aparecida; Auxiliadora-Martins, Maria; Basile-Filho, Anibal; Gir, Elucir; Pires, Daniela; Pittet, Didier; Bellissimo-Rodrigues, Fernando

doi:10.1186/s13756-019-0553-z

Scientific article

English

Glycerol content within the WHO ethanol-based handrub formulation: balancing tolerability with antimicrobial efficacy

ContributorsMenegueti, Mayra Gonçalves; Laus, Ana Maria; Ciol, Márcia Aparecida; Auxiliadora-Martins, Maria; Basile-Filho, Anibal; Gir, Elucir; Pires, Daniela; Pittet, Didier; Bellissimo-Rodrigues, Fernando

Published inAntimicrobial Resistance and Infection Control, vol. 8, 109

Publication date2019

Abstract

The World Health Organization (WHO) ethanol-based handrub (EBHR) formulation contains 1.45% glycerol as an emollient to protect healthcare workers' (HCWs) skin against dryness and dermatitis. However, glycerol seems to negatively affect the antimicrobial efficacy of alcohols. In addition, the minimal concentration of glycerol required to protect hands remain unknown. We aim to evaluate the tolerance of HCWs to the WHO EBHR formulation using different concentrations of glycerol in a tropical climate healthcare setting.

Keywords

Alcohol-based hand rub
Essential medicines list
Glycerol
Hand hygiene
Low-income countries
Skin tolerability
World Health Organization

Affiliation entities

Faculté de médecine / Section de médecine clinique / Département de médecine

Research groups

Staphylocoques dorés résistants à la méthicilline et hygiène hospitalière (330)

Citation (ISO format)

MENEGUETI, Mayra Gonçalves et al. Glycerol content within the WHO ethanol-based handrub formulation: balancing tolerability with antimicrobial efficacy. In: Antimicrobial Resistance and Infection Control, 2019, vol. 8, p. 109. doi: 10.1186/s13756-019-0553-z