Final answer:
Its persistent antimicrobial activity makes it valuable, though some resistance and side effects like tooth discoloration are observed.
Step-by-step explanation:
Chlorhexidine gluconate is a bisbiguanide antiseptic with broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties, commonly used in various clinical settings. For surgical scrubs and handwashing by medical personnel, chlorhexidine solutions are utilized due to their persistent antimicrobial action. It disrupts the bacterial cell membranes and at higher concentrations, can cause the cytoplasmic contents of the cells to congeal, serving a bactericidal role. When applied as an oral rinse, it aids in controlling plaque and gingivitis post oral procedures. Despite its effectiveness, resistance has been observed in organisms like Pseudomonas aeruginosa after repeated exposure. Chlorhexidine is known to cause tooth surface discoloration, a side effect that may influence patient compliance.
Chlorhexidine gluconate is also used in decolonization protocols for MRSA, where patients test positive following a nasal swab test. It is used in the form of washes to reduce carriage of MRSA. In addition to medical applications, chlorhexidine is also effective against enveloped viruses, though it is poorly effective against Mycobacterium tuberculosis, nonenveloped viruses, and is not sporicidal.