U.S. FDA orders antibacterials removed from consumer soaps

Jpatching

I am normally content to lurk on MFP discussions, amused by some of the "woo" and impressed by the way it is countered, but as a microbiologist I feel I must correct some confusion which has crept into this thread.
Antibacterial compounds are substances used to kill (bactericidal) or or stop bacteria from reproducing (bacteriostatic). Antibiotics are a special class of antibacterial compound specifically developed in an attempt to create the "Magic bullet" envisaged by the early microbiologists: they are intended to attack a target in the metabolism or structure of a bacterium which is not found in higher organisms. They can thus be introduced into a patient's body and arrest the development of the infection without damaging the host. Since the targets are by necessity specific, it is possible for mutations to resistance to occur. Bacteria are pretty prolific in their ability to exchange genetic information between species, genera etc so this resistance can be spread around, especially when inappropriate or ineffective use of antibiotics selects for resistant strains.
On the other hand, the types of compounds use in surface cleaners, hand washes etc. (What most people would describe as disinfectants, and antiseptics) have pretty crude modes of action. For example they may denature proteins or organic material in general, or damage cell membranes. This means that they may also damage non bacterial cells. When your mother put tincture of iodine on a cut and told you it stung (like ****!) because it was doing you good, she was lying. The stinging is the iodine destroying your skin cells . This is why the mildest of these compounds (antiseptics) can only be applied topically or as mouthwash. Also because of their mode of action it is generally unlikely that a bacterium will developed a resistance mutation to them. Its a bit like humans developing a resistance to being blown up! Certainly, specific disinfectants may be more effective against one group of bacteria (spore formers or gram negatives for example) than another. Because of this a properly organised cleaning regime rotates between three or so different disinfectants.
I would agree (and I believe that the literature backs me up) that the physical removal of bacteria and dirt (especially organic) which protects and feeds them is probably the most important aspect of sanitising procedures intended to minimise the microbial load in hospitals and pharmaceutical and food manufacting plants. Many of the more modern antimicrobials (for example, quaternary ammonium compounds) are surface active agents. They are most effective on gram-negative bacteria( such a Escherichia coli) because they damage the cell envelope, but they areaalso good cleaning agents as well as being fairly inocuous (ingesting a little wont harm you), tasteless and odourless.
To finish, I am concerned that those who are easily swayed by scare stores, are anti "Big" or whatever may say that disinfectant and antiseptic compounds are bad (they are chemicals after all) and that whatever experts say they will not use them. Feel free to do so in the comfort of your own home and don't come crying to me when you develop a nasty dose of food poisoning, but do NOT attempt to avoid or subvert their use in healthcare and the food and pharmaceutical industries where they are one of the essential tools for the combat of spoilage and disease.

Here endeth antilcrobials 101

BinaryPulsar

I definitely think they should be used in food work and health care. And responsibly by others (no need for extreme germaphobia and overuse).

I was severely injured by antibiotics and another med. That was why I said I avoid them unless absolutely necessary. This is directed by my Rheumatologist and all of my doctors. It's been over a year and I am still dealing with the health damage from the meds. I was wrongly prescribed. Meds do need to be prescribed correctly and responsibly. And some have way more risks than benefits (they are prescribed for cosmetic, not medical reasons, but worsen both). But, during this year my daughter got strep throat and she took antibiotics. Just wanted to explain and provide correct information to prevent false conclusions.

Unknown

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SuperCarLori

Maybe they'll get rid of fluoride next.