Materials and methods for controlling infections
The subject invention provides materials methods for reducing infections in subjects. The materials methods utilize chlorhexidine, which has been found to be surprisingly non-toxic. The lack of toxicity facilitates the use of chlorhexidine in contexts that were not previously thought to be possible.
1. A method for reducing infection at a site in a subject, wherein said method comprises administering to the site an aqueous solution that comprises chlorhexidine at a concentration of 0.05% or less, and wherein the site is the colon.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the chlorhexidine is chlorhexidine gluconate.
3. The method of claim 1 , further comprising applying suction to the site.
4. The method of claim 1 , wherein chlorhexidine is administered to the site via a sustained release material containing the chlorhexidine.
5. The method of claim 1 , used to inhibit the growth of biofilm.
6. A method for reducing infection at a site in a subject, wherein said method comprises administering to the site a formulation that comprises an aqueous solution of chlorhexidine at a concentration of 0.05% or less, wherein the site is the colon and wherein the method further comprises applying suction to the site.
7. The method of claim 6 , wherein the chlorhexidine is chlorhexidine gluconate.
8. The method of claim 6 , used to inhibit the growth of biofilm.
9. A method for reducing infection at a site in a subject, wherein said method comprises administering to the site a formulation that consists of an aqueous solution of chlorhexidine at a concentration of 0.05% or less, and, optionally, a buffer, wherein the site is the colon.
10. The method of claim 9 , wherein the chlorhexidine is chlorhexidine gluconate.
11. The method of claim 9 , used to inhibit the growth of biofilm.