Antimicrobial Resistance

Antibacterial and antiviral resistance is an important public health concern.  If used improperly, bacteria and viruses may become resistant to drugs that have been designed to kill them.  This occurs due to natural selection and pressure for germs to evade the drug, and through random mutations which enable these bacteria and viruses to survive in the presence of these drugs.  Recent examples of drug resistance that have been in the news are multi-drug resistant tuberculosis (MDR TB) and Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).

The ability of a bacteria or virus to become resistant to drugs designed to kill them can occur in various ways.  Problems can arise when people do not take the full course of antibiotics which they were prescribed, leading the few bacteria not yet killed by the drug to survive and multiply.  This can create strains of bacteria that are resistant to this antibiotic in the future.  Problems can also occur when bacteria and viruses gain a mutation which enables them to survive in the presence of a drug that would have previously killed them.  Bacteria or viruses that gain this mutation can thrive, and go on to multiply and create more progeny that are subsequently resistant to the drug.  Additionally, when antibacterial agents are added to products like soap, but not in a high enough concentration to have an effect, bacteria can begin to build resistance to the agents.   

While the long-term effects of alcohol-based hand sanitizer on the creation of resistant strains of bacteria and viruses is unknown, the high concentrations of alcohol in these products significantly reduce the chance that this may occur.

As for consumer antibacterial soaps: There is no need to purchase antibacterial soap.  Studies have shown these soaps are no more effective than regular soaps at preventing illness and reducing levels of bacteria on hands.  (Click here to read the study.)  If you are concerned about antibacterial resistance, skip the soaps that have antibacterial properties and opt for regular soaps.