Although the human body is a rather integral and protected system, the penetration of pathogens of various genesis into the internal environment can still cause serious diseases. This is generally true for infectious diseases caused by developing a parasite that consumes the host’s resources. In the case where the pathogen is represented by a living cell and not a virus, appropriate treatment includes taking antimicrobial drugs. In contrast to narrow-spectrum antibacterial agents, which exhibit high selective toxicity toward target cells, broad-spectrum drugs are effective against many bacteria, up to several dozen strains, and are active against most pathogens. According to evidence-based medicine principles, the choice of treatment should be based on the analytical selection of an appropriate drug with the most effective and least harmful drug mechanism. Generally, a drug agent’s action is driven by selecting a suitable therapeutic index that limits the concentration of the substance to protect the host from undesirable effects. This includes the skilled practitioner’s use of MIC calculation to quantify the minimum portion of a substance to inhibit infection growth (Mouton et al., 2018). A qualitative susceptibility assay is performed using the Kirby-Bauer method, which involves culturing the strain on MHA with a pH between 7.2 and 7.4.
One of the classic synthetic antibiotic drugs is Triclosan, which acts as a broad-spectrum drug against many bacteria and fungi. It is known that at high concentrations, Triclosan actively suppresses the growth and development of most pathogens through targeted destruction of the cytoplasm and membrane of foreign cells. This phenomenon has justified Triclosan’s widespread commercial use as an antimicrobial additive in soaps, shampoos, and detergents.
However, safety and efficacy tests of the substance have refuted its relevance. In 2016 and 2017, the FDA issued a series of regulations restricting the sale of Triclosan because it has not been proven to be safe for human health (Tosh, 2020). There are concerns that the drug may affect hormonal regulation, suppress the immune system, and cause antimicrobial resistance development. In addition, some studies have linked the drug to the development of cancer, heart dysfunction, and asthma (Grey, 2018). Thus, Triclosan’s choice as an active antibiotic is not justified by its dangers and non-directionality, unlike amoxicillin, doxycycline, cephalexin, or ciprofloxacin.
References
Grey, H. (2018). Why controversial ingredient triclosan is in toothpaste but not bodywash. Healthline.
Mouton, J. W., Muller, A. E., Canton, R., Giske, C. G., Kahlmeter, G., & Turnidge, J. (2018). MIC-based dose adjustment: Facts and fables. Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy, 73(3), 564-568.
Tosh, P. K. (2020). Should I avoid products that contain triclosan? Mayo Clinic. Web.