Melaleuca alternifolia essential oil soap: a potential alternative for hand hygiene

Author(s)

Gnatta, Juliana Rizzo ^[1] ; de Brito Poveda, Vanessa ^[1] ; Padoveze, Maria Clara ^[2] ; Graziano, Kazuko Uchikawa ^[1] ; Turrini, Ruth Natalia Teresa ^[1] ; da Silva, Maria Julia Paes ^[1]

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Sao Paulo, Sch Nursing, Dept Med Surg Nursing, Ave Dr Eneas de Aguiar, 419 Cerqueira Cesar, BR-05403000 Sao Paulo - Brazil

^[2] Univ Sao Paulo, Sch Nursing, Dept Collect Hlth Nursing, Ave Dr Eneas de Aguiar, 419 Cerqueira Cesar, BR-05403000 Sao Paulo - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY & INFECTIOUS DISEASES; v. 40, n. 7, p. 1517-1520, JUL 2021.
• Web of Science Citations: 0

Abstract

This study aimed to compare the antimicrobial action of three soaps for hand hygiene (HH): 2.0% Tea Tree Oil (TTO); 0.5% triclosan; 2.0% chlorhexidine, and to explore the perception of healthcare professionals about TTO. Two-step study: a quantitative, to determine the logarithmic reduction of Escherichia coli K12 colony-forming units before and after HH of 15 volunteers and quali-quantitative, through interviews with 23 health professionals. All the three products demonstrated antimicrobial action (a log(10) reduction factor of 4.18 for TTO, 4.31 for triclosan, 3.89 for chlorhexidine, and 3.17 for reference soap). Professionals remarked the pleasant aroma and non-dryness of skin when using soap containing TTO. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 13/23008-7 - Evaluation of the antimicrobial efficacy of soap containing essential oil of Melaleuca alternifolia and impact on increasing adherence to hand hygiene by its aromatherapy effect
• Grantee: Maria Julia Paes da Silva
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants