Comparative in vitro evaluation of the antimicrobial activities of povidone-iodine and other commercially available antiseptics against clinically relevant pathogens.

Aims: Antiseptics, such as povidone-iodine (PVP-I), play an important role in infection control across a wide range of clinical settings. This study aimed to evaluate the comparative in vitro efficacy and rate of onset of action of a range of formulations of PVP-I and other commonly used antiseptics. Methods: The antimicrobial efficacy of a range of antiseptics and antimicrobial agents used for skin, wound, vagina and oral antisepsis was evaluated according to the EU Standards DIN EN1276 and EN14476. The panel of organisms tested included bacterial and fungal pathogens and two enteroviruses (Coxsackievirus A16 [CA16] and Enterovirus 71 [EV71]). Results: All PVP-I products tested were highly efficacious in vitro (>99.99% kill rate) against a range of clinically relevant bacterial and fungal pathogens with rapid onset of action (30-60 seconds), at both high and low concentrations. By comparison, the efficacy of other antiseptics tested was generally reduced upon dilution. PVP-I products used in wound and oral care were found to be more effective in vitro against CA16 and EV71, and had a faster onset of action than most other agents tested. Conclusion: This study provides valuable insights into the in vitro efficacy of a range of commonly used antiseptics and may help inform the selection of appropriate antiseptics by healthcare professionals.