Antimicrobial activity of soap on pyogenic gram-positive cocci and enteric bacilli

The study was conducted under laboratory conditions. The test microorganisms used to assess the bactericidal activity of soap were Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. The choice of soap was based on the claim of the manufacturers as antimicrobial soap. Beauty soaps were also subjected in this study to compare its effectiveness to the antimicrobial soaps. Check 2000, Lifebouy and Safeguard were selected as representatives of antimicrobial soaps. While Palmolive, Tender Care and Ivory were chosen as representatives of beauty soaps. The test soaps were scraped and dissolved. After incubating, the soap solution was then plated to check for bacterial growth. Results showed that among the soap tested, Check 2000 and Palmolive can kill S. aureus for more than 1 minute exposure. Whereas the rest of the soap tested can kill S. aureus less than 1 minute exposure. A2 to 5 minute exposure to Check 2000 can kill E. coli while less than 2 minute exposure is needed to kill E. coli using Lifebouy and Safeguard. A 5 to 15 minute exposure to the three beauty soap is required for effective bactericidal action on E. coli