Consumer Antibacterial Soaps: Effective or Just risky? Examination of the evidence

Much has been written recently about the potential hazards versus benefits of antibacterial (biocide)– containing soaps. The aim of this study was to evaluate the Bar soap from 20 different Dental clinics for microbial contamination, while it was “in-use”. This prospective study was performed with 40 samples between November and December 2015, at Dental clinic at Vellore in Tamilnadu, India. Of the 40 samples obtained from the bar soap, 100% yielded positive culture. This study was designed to determine the colonization of the in-use hand washing soaps in clinic settings. Swabs from surfaces of bar soaps via their applicator tips; at the working stations of the clinic were taken. Conventional microbiologic methods were used for culture of the swabs and identification of the isolates. Of the 40 samples obtained from the bar soap, 100% yielded positive culture. A total of 10 different genera of organisms were isolated. Each bar soap was found to harbor 2-5 different genera of micro organisms. Heavily used soap had more micro organisms compared to less used soap. The microbial load of the “in-use” bar soap constituted a mixed flora of gram positive, gram negative, aerobes, anaerobes, and fungi. The results indicate that the bar soap under "in-use" condition is a reservoir of microorganisms and hand washing with such a soap may lead to spread of infection. Hand hygiene has the potential to prevent diseases and reduce health care–associated infections. The proper drying of hands after washing should be an essential component of effective hand hygiene procedures.