Question

What are the limitations of alcohol-based solutions on the basis of sepsis?

Answer 1

Alcohol-based hand rubs/gels are composed of a variety of active ingredients. Alcohol-based hand rubs/gels containing 60-95 per cent alcohol have the greatest efficacy. The antimicrobial activity of alcohol solutions within this range is related to their ability to denature proteins. Concentrations of alcohol above 95 per cent are considered less effective because proteins are not readily denatured in the absence of water.

Alcohol-based hand rubs have excellent germicidal activity against both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria such as Escherichia coli and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), along with mycobacteria. They are also effective against certain enveloped (lipophilic) viruses, such as HIV, influenza, respiratory syncytial virus, and herpes simplex virus. Hepatitis B and C are also susceptible to alcohol but are killed less readily and require at least 60-70 per cent alcohol for effectiveness. Alcohol is not effective against bacterial spores, such as those produced by the diarrhoeal illness-causing bacteria Clostridium difficile and certain non-enveloped (non-lipophilic) viruses, for example enteroviruses. These are the limitations of alcohol based solutions on the basis of sepsis.