This is not the same. Antibacterial soaps usually have an antibiotic compound, such as, Triclosan or some similar product which inhibits an enzyme used in fatty acid synthesis in bacteria. Because it works inside the bacterial cell on intermediary metabolism it can be overcome by changes in the enzyme.
Alcohol dissolves the cell wall of bacteria producing essentially instant death. The gel allows it to remain on the hands slightly longer than liquid alcohol and prevents spills from spreading and becoming a fire hazard. Bacteria have no way of preventing this so it does not lead to resistance.
John
John Messmer, M.D. Assistant Professor, Family and Community Medicine Penn State Hershey Medical Center
> -----Original Message----- > From: Naomi Gurt Lind [mailto:naomi@n...] > Sent: Sunday, February 16, 2003 8:49 AM > To: vocalist-temporary@yahoogroups.com > Subject: [vocalist] alcohol-based gels > > > Dr. John wrote: > > >Wash with soap and water for 30 seconds or use one of > >the new alcohol based gels for a couple seconds to remove/kill the > >viruses. > > I've been wondering about these gels, which are often advertised as > antibacterial. I was under the impression that overuse of > antibiotics had contributed to the "superbug" phenomenon: that is, > the development of drug-resistant bacteria. Does the use of > antibacterial gels have the same (side) effect? >
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