An elastomeric article that contains a chromogen that undergoes a
detectable change in color in the presence of one or more microbes is
provided. For example, in one embodiment, the chromogen is a
solvatochromic dye (e.g., Reichardt's dye) that undergoes a color change
in the presence of bacteria or other microbes. More specifically, such
dyes may respond to differences in polarity between microbe components
(e.g., cell membrane, cytoplasm, etc.) and the environment outside the
cell. Alternatively, other mechanisms may be wholly or partially
responsible for the interaction between the dye and the microbe, such as
acid-base reactions, redox reactions, and so forth.