Antibacterial Activity of Povidone Iodine towards Non‐sporing Bacteria

The antibacterial activity of povidone iodine was examined in vitro in saline, in nutrient broth, in simulated ulcer experiments and in the presence of blood components. Minimum inhibitory and minimum bactericidal concentrations were within a narrow concentration range. Nutrient broth and plasma had little inactivating activity but 1 g haemoglobin inactivated 50 mg of free iodine: experiments with 125 I showed that uptake of iodine by red cells occurred rapidly. Optimal antimicrobial effects in clinical use should be achieved in relatively blood‐free situations. Povidone iodine produced a potent, and sometimes persistent bactericidal effect towards bacteria on healthy skin. It is suggested that antiseptics such as povidone iodine should continue to replace topical antibiotics for prevention and treatment of wound infection.