Antiseptics, with a broader spectrum of antimicrobial efficacy, lower risk of antibiotic resistance development, and minimal collateral damage to host tissues, are important alternatives to control the bioburden in wounds. Povidone iodine (PVP-I), in use for several decades, has the broadest spectrum of activity, a persistent antimicrobial effect, an ability to penetrate biofilms, and a lack of acquired or cross-resistance. It demonstrates good skin tolerance and low cytotoxicity. However, some reports on PVP-I have raised concerns over allergy, ineffective penetration, and toxic effects on host cells. The majority of these concerns are based on in vitro or rodent wound studies with diverse study designs and outcomes; these results may not be directly applicable in the clinical reality in humans. In this paper, we discuss the efficacy and safety of PVP-I and outline its place in wound healing in Asia, based on an appraisal of recent literature and clinical practice across the region.

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Wound infection is a major cause of morbidity and mortality among burn patients. Recent changes in the epidemiology of burn wound infections were observed due to the steady rise of drug-resistant bacteria. The objective of this study is to determine the most common burn wound pathogens isolated among patients admitted at the UP-PGH ATR Burn Center, describe their respective susceptibility patterns, and calculate incidence rates of burn wound colonization, local, and invasive infection. Patients admitted at the UP-PGH Burn Center from March 2015 to February 2016 with tissue culture studies were monitored for development of wound infection; patient charts, tissue isolates, and their susceptibility patterns were reviewed. A total of 77 patients were included in the study wherein 36% had no infection, 42% had wound colonization, and 22% developed burn wound infection. Among these patients, 98 specimens were sent for culture studies which revealed Acinetobacter baumannii (25.6%) as the top pathogen isolated, followed by Enterococcus sp. (21.95%), and Pseudomonas sp. (18.29%). Acinetobacter baumannii was also the top isolate among patients with local and invasive infection (86 and 67%, respectively). Multidrug resistance was observed with A. baumannii and Pseudomonas exhibiting resistance towards meropenem, imipenem, cefepime, ciprofloxacin, and piperacillin-tazobactam but remained sensitive to colistin, amikacin, and minocycline. Vancomycin, cotrimoxazole, and ciprofloxacin were active against Gram-positive bacteria. Multidrug-resistant organisms pose a major risk in all burn units. To limit their growth, judicious use of antibiotics, aggressive infection control measures, close surveillance, and frequent antibiograms are needed.

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