Since we were not able to test all isolates of staphylococci for methicillin and erythromycim, the results were interpreted separately. All methicillin resistant strains were simultaneously resistant to four or more drugs. Comparative analysis was made in order to see whether there was any positive cross resistance link between the antibiotic and disinfectant resistant strains. The concentration of chlorhexidine has been found to be variable depending on the nature of application and the manufacturer's recommendation. The use of an appropriate concentration of disinfectant may inhibit most of the nosocomial strains and thus will prevent infection.
Chlorhexidine is a bactericidal antiseptic that disrupts cell membrane functions.
The mechanism of resistance of bacteria to chlorhexidine has not been well established. The susceptibility of bacterial isolates to chlorhexidine has not been studied previously in Tikur Anbessa Hospital or elsewhere in the country. Comparison was, therefore, not possible. Such observation confirms that there was no positive cross resistance between chlorhexidine and antibiotics. Since chlorhexidine was equally effective for both sensitive and multiple antibiotic resistant staphylococci, hospital acquired infection can still be minimized by application of this antiseptic.