Comparison of antimicrobial effectiveness of soaps containing essential oil of tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia), triclosan and chlorhexidine in hand hygiene artificially contaminated

Abstract

The antimicrobial effects of essential oils have been reported in scientific literature, especially about essential oil of Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia). This essential oil has shown antiseptic properties and may represent a natural and alternative product for hand hygiene in health care establishments that currently use products based on triclosan and chlorhexidine. Objective. Evaluate the effectiveness of hand hygiene in reducing microbial load performed with three differents formulations of liquid soaps available, including: Tea Tree essential oil 0.3%, soap containing triclosan in concentration of 0.5% and chlorhexidine 2.0%. Method. Will be applied the guidelines of the European Committee for Standardization, EN1499 methodology, indicated to evaluate the efficacy of antiseptics for hand hygiene. The methodology recommends the artificial contamination of hands from 12 to 15 healthy volunteers with Escherichia coli K12 followed by washing hands with each product under evaluation. According to the methodology, results will be compared between products and with a non-antimicrobial soap ("soft soap"), in the same subject, day and under similar environmental conditions. Will be counted the number of microorganisms before (pre-values) and after (post-values) handwashing. The relationship between pre- and post-values represents the antimicrobial activity of each product, making it possible to test the effectiveness of soap containing Tea Tree oil compared to active ingredients that have been used traditionally (chlorhexidine and triclosan. (AU)