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A Method to Test the Efficacy of Handwashing for the Removal of Emerging Infectious Pathogens
09:02

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Published on: June 7, 2017

Consumer antibacterial soaps: effective or just risky?

Allison E Aiello1, Elaine L Larson, Stuart B Levy

  • 1Department of Epidemiology and Center for Social Epidemiology and Population Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Ann Arbor, MI 48104-2548, USA. aielloa@umich.edu

Clinical Infectious Diseases : an Official Publication of the Infectious Diseases Society of America
|August 19, 2007
PubMed
Summary

Antibacterial soaps with triclosan offer no additional health benefits over plain soap. Laboratory studies suggest triclosan may contribute to antibiotic resistance, warranting regulatory review.

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Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Public Health
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Concerns exist regarding the safety and efficacy of antibacterial soaps containing biocides like triclosan.
  • The potential for triclosan use to promote antibiotic-resistant bacteria is a significant public health concern.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To systematically review studies comparing the efficacy of triclosan-containing soaps versus plain soap in community settings.
  • To evaluate the potential hazards of triclosan use, specifically the emergence of antibiotic resistance.

Main Methods:

  • A systematic literature search of the PubMed database was conducted for English-language articles.
  • Relevant articles published between 1980 and 2006 were identified, with 27 studies included in the review.

Main Results:

  • Triclosan-containing soaps (0.1%-0.45% wt/vol) were not more effective than plain soap in preventing illness symptoms or reducing hand bacteria.
  • Laboratory studies indicated that triclosan exposure led to cross-resistance to antibiotics in various bacterial species.

Conclusions:

  • The absence of added health benefits from triclosan soaps, alongside evidence of potential antibiotic resistance selection, necessitates regulatory scrutiny.
  • Further research is encouraged to fully understand the implications of triclosan use in consumer products.