Antibacterial cleaning products and drug resistance

Emerg Infect Dis. 2005 Oct;11(10):1565-70. doi: 10.3201/eid1110.041276.

Abstract

We examined whether household use of antibacterial cleaning and hygiene products is an emerging risk factor for carriage of antimicrobial drug-resistant bacteria on hands of household members. Households (N = 224) were randomized to use of antibacterial or nonantibacterial cleaning and hygiene products for 1 year. Logistic regression was used to assess the influence of antibacterial product use in homes. Antibacterial product use did not lead to a significant increase in antimicrobial drug resistance after 1 year (odds ratio 1.33, 95% confidence interval 0.74-2.41), nor did it have an effect on bacterial susceptibility to triclosan. However, more extensive and longer term use of triclosan might provide a suitable environment for emergence of resistant species. Further research on this issue is needed.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / pharmacology
  • Anti-Infective Agents, Local / adverse effects*
  • Bacteria / drug effects
  • Bacteria / isolation & purification
  • Child, Preschool
  • Drug Resistance, Bacterial*
  • Family Characteristics*
  • Hand / microbiology
  • Hand Disinfection
  • Household Products / adverse effects*
  • Humans
  • Logistic Models
  • Male
  • Microbial Sensitivity Tests
  • Triclosan / adverse effects*

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Anti-Infective Agents, Local
  • Triclosan