Controlling Growth of Multidrug-Resistant Staphylococci Isolated from Sports Mats: A Report from the Golestan Province, Iran

Background: Gyms are among the places where various human infections can spread. One of the most important strategies to prevent infection spread among athletes is the use of strong and effective disinfectants. Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the antiseptic properties of chlorhexidine gluconate and pomegranate peel extract on staphylococcal isolates from sports mats. Methods: This descriptive-analytical study was performed on 22 Staphylococcus aureus, and Staphylococcus epidermidis isolates from a total of 105 sports mat samples. After identification of multi-drug resistant (MDR) staphylococcal isolates, the antimicrobial effect of chlorhexidine gluconate 20% and pomegranate peel extract was evaluated by broth microdilution according to the instructions of the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute. Results: Overall, 14 (66.7%) S. aureus and 8 (28.6%) S. epidermidis isolates resistant to azithromycin, linezolid, ciprofloxacin, vancomycin, and aztreonam were reported as MDR strains. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of chlorhexidine gluconate, which inhibited the growth of 90% of MDR S. aureus isolates was 250 µg/mL, which was 4-fold lower than the MIC of pomegranate peel extract (MIC90≥ 500µg/mL) and 2-fold lower against MDR S. epidermidis isolates (MIC90≤125 µg/mL). The MIC of chlorhexidine gluconate and pomegranate peel extract against S. aureus isolates differed significantly (P = 0.037). Conclusions: Compared to pomegranate peel extract, chlorhexidine gluconate has a higher antibacterial effect on MDR staphylococcal isolates from sports mats. Further research is required to verify the efficacy of this biocide for disinfection of gyms and sports clubs.