Antiseptic Cleansing to Reduce Vertical Transmission of Pathogens to Neonates

Is topical antiseptic application in laboring women and neonates safe and effective at reducing bacterial load?In this randomized clinical trial including 149 women in labor and 147 neonates in Malawi, application of 1% chlorhexidine reduced bacterial load compared with standard care in both populations, with larger effects in the mothers. No safety concerns were identified.The findings suggest application of 1% chlorhexidine in neonates and laboring women could be incorporated into future multimodal infection-prevention intervention trials in low-income countries.

Corresponding Author: Louise F. Hill, PhD, Centre for Neonatal and Paediatric Infection, Institute for Infection and Immunity, City St George’s, University of London, Cranmer Terrace, London SW17 0RE, United Kingdom (lhill@citystgeorges.ac.uk).

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