|
A recent study from
Cardiff University in Wales found that antibacterial
wipes--which hospitals routinely use to disinfect
surfaces--spread germs rather than eradicate them. The
antibacterial wipes that have emerged as a sanitary status
symbol in homes, hospitals, schools, gyms and even grocery
stores may not be the ultimate answer in hygiene — and they
might even spread, rather than kill, bacteria.
Popular antibacterial
wipes may not be as effective in killing germs as many
people believe. Researchers from the Welsh School of
Pharmacy at Cardiff University in Wales tested the cleaning
power of three different types of antibacterial wipes
containing either traditional disinfectants, detergents or
natural antimicrobial substances, such as those extracted
from plants.
A team led by microbiologist Gareth Williams used the wipes
to clean surfaces that had been severely contaminated with
the notorious bacterium Staphylococcus aureus — including
the Methicillin-resistant type known as MRSA, which has
become a growing concern in hospitals.
They found use of antibacterial wipes in hospitals, schools,
and your bathroom might actually be spreading rather than
killing bacteria, and may be contributing to antibacterial
resistance.
|
