Resistance and cross-resistance in Staphylococcus spp. strains following prolonged exposure to different antiseptics.

Objectives: This aim of this study was to evaluate the potential of staphylococci to develop resistance and cross-resistance to antibiotics following exposure to antiseptics.

Methods: The antibiotic susceptibility profile as well as the antiseptic minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) and minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBC) were determined for Staphylococcus epidermidis and Staphylococcus aureus clinical isolates and reference strains (methicillin resistant or not) before and after prolonged exposure to low concentrations of two antiseptics, namely chlorhexidine digluconate (CHG) and octenidine dihydrochloride (OCT).

Results: Resistance was observed to both tested antiseptics following exposure.