Triclosan, a common antimicrobial agent found in things like soap, toys and toothpaste, can rapidly disrupt gut bacteria communities, according to research from Oregon State University and published in PLOS ONE.
Scientists believe when gut bacteria are compromised, it can contribute to the development or severity of some diseases.
"There's…a growing awareness of the importance of the bacteria in our gut microbiome for human health, and the overuse of antibiotics that can lead to the rise of 'superbugs'. There are consequences to constantly trying to kill the bacteria in the world around us, aspects we're just beginning to understand," said Thomas Sharpton, PhD, a professor at OSU in Corvallis and the study's corresponding author.
Researchers from OSU based their study's findings on findings made with zebrafish, which is an important animal model to help understand human biological and health impacts of triclosan.
They found the antimicrobial causes changes in the diversity and composition of the microbiome.
"Clearly there may be situations where antibacterial agents are needed. However, scientists now have evidence that intestinal bacteria may have metabolic, cardiovascular, autoimmune and neurological impacts, and concerns about overuse of these agents are valid. Cumulative impacts are also possible. We need to do significantly more evaluation of their effects, some of which might be dramatic and long lasting," said Christopher Gaulke, lead author on the study and a postdoctoral microbiology researcher in the OSU College of Science.