Chlorhexidine Bathing in Infection Prevention and Control: Clinical Effectiveness, Implementation, and Emerging Applications
Current Infectious Disease Reports, vol.28, no.1, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
- Publication Type: Article / Review
- Volume: 28 Issue: 1
- Publication Date: 2026
- Doi Number: 10.1007/s11908-026-00884-4
- Journal Name: Current Infectious Disease Reports
- Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, EMBASE, Health Research Premium Collection (ProQuest), Pharma Collection (ProQuest)
- Keywords: Chlorhexidine, Cross infection, Drug resistance, Infection prevention and control, Intensive care units, Microbial
- Open Archive Collection: AVESIS Open Access Collection
- Hacettepe University Affiliated: Yes
Abstract
Purpose of Review: Chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) bathing is widely used as an infection prevention and control (IPC) strategy to reduce healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) and multidrug-resistant organism (MDRO) transmission, particularly in intensive care unit (ICU) settings. This review provides a contemporary synthesis of the clinical effectiveness, implementation considerations, and emerging applications of CHG bathing across healthcare environments. Recent Findings: Recent evidence suggests that CHG bathing is associated with reductions in selected infection-related outcomes, including device-associated infections and microbial colonization. However, these benefits do not consistently translate into improvements in broader patient-centered outcomes such as mortality, clinical severity, or length of stay. Large randomized trials and updated meta-analyses have demonstrated substantial heterogeneity in effectiveness depending on the clinical endpoint, bathing protocol, and accompanying co-interventions. Emerging literature further highlights the importance of implementation-related factors, including protocol adherence, staff training, and integration into clinical workflows. Expanding use in non-ICU, outpatient, and long-term care settings has also introduced additional challenges related to feasibility, adherence, and contextual variability. Summary: CHG bathing should be considered a targeted IPC strategy whose effectiveness varies according to clinical setting, implementation quality, and outcome selection. Although CHG bathing may contribute to reductions in MDRO burden and selected infection-related outcomes, current evidence does not consistently support improvements in broader clinical outcomes across all patient populations. Future research should prioritize standardized protocols, implementation-focused designs, and patient-centered outcomes to better define the optimal role of CHG bathing across diverse healthcare settings.