Efficacy of Consumer Antibacterial and Non-antibacterial Body Washes on Skin Normal Flora and Pathogen

ABSTRACT

@#Introduction: Antibacterial products contain active ingredients that are used to prevent bacterial growth and contamination. Previous studies suggest that antibacterial products are no more effective at removing s kin pathogen compared to plain soap. It is essential to collect the data regarding the effectiveness of antibacterial products with the purpose of continuous surveillance in the detection of emerging resistance pattern. Method: In vitro antimicrobial activity of six products were established on four species of bacteria namely Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa that represent the bacterial pathogen commonly found on human skin and the surrounding environment. These pathogens are also implicated as the causative organisms for skin infections. Results: Product that contains triclosan has the highest bactericidal effect as it is effective against a broad spectrum of bacteria. Body washes without any antibacterial agent also exhibit bactericidal activity but at higher concentrations. Gram-positive bacteria showed more sensitivity compared to gram-negative bacteria. Conclusion: Antibacterial and non-antibacterial products have bactericidal effects at different concentration. Different active ingredients showed different antibacterial effects on tested bacteria. Extend usage of antibacterial products pose adverse effects on skin normal flora and can lead to antimicrobial resistance.