Investigation of antibiotic and antibacterial agent cross-resistance in target bacteria from homes of antibacterial product users and nonusers.

This study looked for differences in antibiotic resistance of bacteria in homes where antibacterial products were used compared with homes of non-users. Evidence of resistance to antibacterial agents was also investigated. Samples were collected from homes in the USA and UK of 30 users and 30 nonusers of antibacterials. Susceptibility tests against antibiotics and antibacterial agents (triclosan, pine oil, BAC and PCMX) were carried out on the bacteria isolated. The authors conclude that their data shows no evidence that antibiotic resistant bacteria occurred more frequently in user homes compared with non-user homes. In addition there was no evidence that bacteria from user homes showed any increase in resistance to the antibacterials compared with bacteria from non-user homes. J Appl Microbiol 2003;95:664-676.