Possible prevention and eradication of cerebrospinal fluid shunt infection with povidone iodine in vitro.

The results of preliminary in vitro studies of the efficacy of povidone iodine (P.V.I.) in preventing and eradicating infection in cerebrospinal fluid shunts are reported. After preliminary flushing of the system with P.V.I., it was not found possible to colonize valves. To eradicate infection from a previously colonised shunt it was found necessary to inject P.V.I. three times at 24 hourly intervals at a point above the level of colonisation.