Antimicrobial Activity of a Controlled Release Iodine Foam

Background: Chronic wounds contain a wide variety of microbes which can play a significant role in hindering progression towards healing. In selecting a dressing to manage infected wounds or wounds at high risk of infection, the ability to kill, within the dressing, a wide range of organisms both quickly and for a sustained duration is of great utility.

Methods: Antimicrobial barrier testing was performed based on AATCC Test Method 100-2012 on a controlled release iodine dressing*. The dressing was challenged with Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and exposed for 5 minutes, 30 minutes, 3 days, and 7 days, Pseudomonas aeruginosa with 30 minute exposure, Aspergillus brasiliensis and Candida albicans with repeated inoculation and 7 days exposure.

Results: For all of the above organisms and time points, the controlled release iodine dressing* resulted in a > 4 log reduction of microorganism load as measured in CFU/ml. 

Conclusion: In summary, the controlled release iodine dressing was found to have potent antimicrobial barrier activity against a common gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, fungus, and yeast species. Notably, the activity against MRSA was achieved in as little as 5 minutes of exposure to the dressing, and the activity was sustained for up to 7 days against MRSA, Aspergillus brasiliensis, and Candida albicans. Together these results suggest the dressing may be effective in managing microorganisms commonly found in wound fluid that may ingress into the dressing during use.