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Science
Friday > Archives
> 2000
> May
> May 26, 2000:
Hour One: Germ Control
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Most people hate germs. Companies know that, and in recent years
they've been making serious money selling anti-bacterials-- everything
from soap to socks. But at the same time as we battle the germs
on our hands and feet, the bacteria may be winning on another
front. Bacteria resistant to common antibiotics are on the rise.
And now, researchers are finding that the bacteria may be developing
resistance to the ingredients of those common anti-bacterial products
as well.
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Triclosan is in many consumer products as an antibacterial agent.
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This week, at the 100th annual meeting of the American Society for
Microbiology, several papers were presented discussing bacterial resistance
to triclosan, a common ingredient of consumer antibacterial products
ranging from hand soaps to rubber ducks. Researchers are concerned that
in addition to developing resistance to these surface antiseptics, the
bacteria that remain behind may also be resistant to other things -
including prescription antibiotics. One presentation even discussed
the possibility that certain bacteria can actually break down triclosan,
"disinfecting" the surface for other bacteria.
But are the popular anti-bacterial products really effective? Are consumers
fooling themselves into thinking that certain products will make their
homes more hygienic? On this hour of Science Friday, we'll talk about
those issues -- as well as more serious issues of antibiotic resistance.
Last month, the Pharmacia Corporation won approval from the FDA to
market Zyvox, a new antibiotic. Zyvox is a new type of antibiotic, the
first marketed product in a class of compounds called oxazolidines.
These compounds attack bacteria in a different method from other antibiotics.
Researchers have found that even bacteria resistant to powerful antibiotics
such as vancomycin can be affected by the new line of attack taken by
Zyvox. We'll find out about how it was developed, and what's being done
to try to protect against the rise of germs resistant to medical antibiotics.
Plus, we'll find out about some research into a different approach
to dealing with bacteria. Imagine, instead of killing bacteria, just
developing a way of keeping bacteria from sticking to human tissues.
The issue of bacterial adherence is important in many health problems,
from tooth decay to urinary tract infections. We'll talk to a researcher
looking at ways to keep bacteria from sticking, using extracts from
common plants.
Join guest host David Baron on this hour of Science Friday for an intelligence
report from the war on infectious diseases. Our phone number is 1-800-989-8255.
Guests:
Wesley Mark Todd
Therapeutic Clinical Director
Pharmacia Corporation
Kalamazoo, Michigan
Marjorie (Kelly) Cowan
Assistant Professor
Department of Microbiology
Miami University
Oxford, Ohio
Elaine Larson
Professor of Pharmaceutical and Therapeutic Research
School of Nursing
Columbia University
New York, New York
Books/Articles Discussed:
Related Links:
American Society of Microbiology
SciFri
October 1, 1999, Hour One: Microbiology Roundup
ZYVOX
href="http://www.pharmacia.com" add_date="959101983" last_visit="959104437" last_modified="959101979" target="">Pharmacia)
Chemistry
of everyday life: What are triclocarban and triclosan (ingredients in
some antiseptic soaps)?
Nature
Science Update: Triclosan
CDC:
Antimicrobial Resistance - Main Page
Sun
Herald Online - antibacterial products
Germ
War: ABC interview with Dr. Larson
Produced By: Charles Bergquist
Web Producer: Charles
Bergquist
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