The researchers did not find any significant difference between the two groups. However, they did acknowledge that one year may not have been long enough to study the effects of the antibacterial agents and that their participants could have been more diverse.
Essentially, the researchers concluded that antibacterial soaps and cleaners did not necessarily cause bacteria to become resistant.
Antibacterial soaps and cleaners do not provide any benefits over regular soaps and cleaners.
A more comprehensive and longer study is needed to determine whether or not there is a significant link between antibacterial agents and drug resistant bacteria in the community.
Only antibacterial agents containing 0.2% triclosan were studied, not soaps and cleaners containing other active antibacterial ingredients.
Where It Stands
- Antibacterial soaps and cleaners provide no greater benefit than regular soaps and cleaners.
- Antibacterial soap and cleaners (with 0.2% triclosan) do not necessarily contribute to drug resistance.
- More research is needed to come to any definite conclusions about the risks or benefits of antibacterial products.
Sources:
Aiello AE, Marshall B, Levy SB, Della-Latta P, Lin SX, Larson E. Antibacterial cleaning products and drug resistance. Emerg Infect Dis. 2005 Oct. 17 Apr 2007.
