Posts Tagged ‘antibacterial’

Using surface disinfectants may contribute to bacterial antibiotic resistance, according to new research in January’s issue of Microbiology. We already know that the use of consumer-grade antimicrobial hand soaps contribute to the rise of antibiotic resistance. Similarly, the study demonstrated that when non-lethal amounts of disinfectant were added to bacteria in culture, the adapted bacteria were more likely to survive compared to the non-adapted bacteria. “In principle this means that residue from incorrectly diluted disinfectants left on hospital surfaces could promote the growth of antibiotic-resistant bacteria,” said Dr. Gerard Fleming who led the study. Bacteria that can resist both surface disinfectants and antibiotics could pose a very serious health concern to not only hospitalized patients, but the general public as well. [via Science Daily]

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Hand washing is one of the best and most effective ways of controlling the spread of diseases – if done correctly. As we accumulate germs on our hands, we can infect ourselves with these germs by touching our eyes, mouth or nose which act as entryways into our body. Dirty hands can spread germs to others if you touch them directly, or if you touch a surface that they also touch. The best way to clean your hands is to use soap and clean running water. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are also great at germ-killing. Antibacterial soaps are NOT recommended because they are no more effective than regular soap. Furthermore, they may induce the development of bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics. For proper hand-washing follow these simple rules:

1.  Use warm running water to wet your hands first, then apply a liquid or bar soap.
2.  Rub your hands together vigorously for at least 15 to 20 seconds, making sure that all surfaces are exposed to the soap, including your wrists, between the fingers, back of the hands and under the fingernails.
3.  Rinse well and dry with a clean or disposable towel.
4.  Turn off the faucet with a disposable towel to prevent contaminating your hands.

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