In Vitro Assesment of Indigenous Herbal and Commercial Antiseptic Soaps for their Antimicrobial Activity

Abstract

The human skin covers the external surface of the body and varies according to its function like thermoregulation, sensation; secretion of substances and serves as matrix for harboring a variety of microbes. These in turn metabolize these secretions and produce specific odorous compounds responsible for characteristic skin odor. Microbes present on the skin can be broadly classified into two distinct categories: resident and transient. Resident microbes are those considered as permanent inhabitants of the epidermis (superficial skin surface). 10 to 20% total resident microflora has been found to be localized in the skin crevices, where skin oils and hardened skin make their removal difficult and complete sterilization of skin impossible. Bacteria representing skin resident flora include CONS (Coagulase negative Staphylococci), members of Corynebacterium, Propionibacterium and Acinetobacter species. Staphylococcus aureus is the only true pathogenic organism included in the resident as well as transient microflora of skin. About 35% of normal adults carry S. aureus in the anterior nostrils of the nose and are particularly susceptible to infection when the normal protective skin barrier is broken. Transient microbes are those, which are not autochthonous but found on and within the epidermal layer of skin, as well as other areas of the body, where they do not normally reside. Almost all disease-producing microorganisms belong to this category. Transient microorganisms can be of any type (bacteria, yeast, molds, viruses, and parasites), from any source with which the body has had contact, and are found on the palms of hands, fingertips, and under fingernails (Noble & Pitcher, 1978). The basic practice of hygiene is washing with water. When this is used for cleaning the whole body is referred to as bathing and when specifically used for cleaning hands is referred to as hand washing. Hands perform the majority of functions of the human’s body and are exposed to a variety of substances which include soil during farming, food during cooking, touching raw and contaminated food material, during personal hygiene. Clean hands stop the spread of germs; therefore hand washing is often emphasized as the single most important measure in any infection control programme for preventing cross transmission of microorganisms between patients. Hand washing is the act of cleaning the hands with or other liquid with or with out the use of soap or other detergent to remove dirt or loose transient flora thus preventing cross-infection.