Whither triclosan?

Triclosan has activity against gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria, although Pseudomonas aeruginosa is highly resistant. Its growth inhibitory properties probably result from enoyl reductase inhibition, whilst membrane destabilisation is responsible for bactericidal action at higher concentrations. Resistance can arise from mutations in, or over production of, enoyl reductase, impermeability or efflux. The author concludes that whilst triclosan resistance in laboratory experiments may be associated with changes in antibiotic susceptibility, comprehensive surveys have not demonstrated any association between triclosan usage and antibiotic resistance in clinical practice. Triclosan has several important uses and the aim must be to retain these applications whilst eliminating unnecessary ones. Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy 2004;53:693-5.