Antimicrobial Activities of Different Soaps on Selected Human Skin Pathogens

Abstract

Aims: To evaluate the antimicrobial activities of various branded soaps against selected microbes present on the normal and infected skin. Study Design:  Experimental design. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Biological sciences (Ondo State University of Science and Technology) between April 2017 and October 2017. Methodology: The identities of the reference organisms used were confirmed using standard microbiological techniques. A total of 10 soaps were assayed for their antimicrobial properties. Of these, three were medicated soaps, two laundry soaps, two beauty soaps, two toilet soaps and one black soap (traditionally made). Statistical analysis for zones of inhibition revealed variability of antimicrobial activity among different categories of the soaps. Results: Soaps within the same categories showed positive correlation. Staphylococcus aureus was the most susceptible microbe with a zone of inhibition of 26.0±0.88 mm while Candida albicans was the least susceptible with a zone of inhibition of 9.0±0.67 mm. Averagely, Sample A3 exhibited the least zone of inhibition (13.0±1.70) mm. The results showed that majority of antimicrobial soaps have antibacterial activity though lack antifungal effect. Sample X1 (traditional black soap) and A3 are the only effective antifungal agents used. The study also revealed physical changes occur in the microbial structure of the test microorganisms. Conclusion: This study has revealed that black soaps and medicated soaps are better antimicrobial agents than beauty soaps. Hence, it justifies the use of medicated soaps for control of skin related infections. However, better promotion is required for traditional black soap in order to maximize its antimicrobial potentials.