Antibacterial Household Products: Cause for Concern
2001
Concerns About Antibacterial Household Products
publication
Evidence: moderate
Author Information
Author(s): Stuart B. Levy
Primary Institution: Tufts University School of Medicine
Hypothesis
Do antibacterial household products contribute to antibiotic resistance?
Conclusion
The use of antibacterial products in healthy households may promote antibiotic resistance without providing any demonstrated health benefits.
Supporting Evidence
- Antibacterial agents can select for resistant bacterial strains.
- Triclosan resistance in E. coli mutants was linked to mutations in the fabI gene.
- Community-acquired MRSA strains show different resistance profiles linked to antibacterial product use.
- Excessive hygiene may interfere with normal immune system maturation.
Takeaway
Using antibacterial soaps and cleaners at home might make germs stronger and not help keep us healthy.
Methodology
Experiments were conducted to isolate resistant mutants of Escherichia coli and to study the effects of triclosan on bacterial growth.
Limitations
No current data demonstrate any health benefits from antibacterial products in healthy households.
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website