Household triclosan and triclocarban effects on the infant and maternal microbiome

Abstract

In 2016, the US Food and Drug Administration banned the use of specific microbicides in some household and personal wash products due to concerns that these chemicals might induce antibiotic resistance or disrupt human microbial communities. Triclosan and triclocarban (referred to as TCs) are the most common antimicrobials in household and personal care products, but the extent to which TC exposure perturbs microbial communities in humans, particularly during infant development, was unknown. We conducted a randomized intervention of TC‐containing household and personal care products during the first year following birth to characterize whether TC exposure from wash products perturbs microbial communities in mothers and their infants. Longitudinal survey of the gut microbiota using 16S ribosomal RNA amplicon sequencing showed that TC exposure from wash products did not induce global reconstruction or loss of microbial diversity of either infant or maternal gut microbiotas. Broadly antibiotic‐resistant species from the phylum Proteobacteria, however, were enriched in stool samples from mothers in TC households after the introduction of triclosan‐containing toothpaste. When compared by urinary triclosan level, agnostic to treatment arm, infants with higher triclosan levels also showed an enrichment of Proteobacteria species. Despite the minimal effects of TC exposure from wash products on the gut microbial community of infants and adults, detected taxonomic differences highlight the need for consumer safety testing of antimicrobial self‐care products on the human microbiome and on antibiotic resistance.

Triclosan‐induced alteration of gut microbiome and aggravation of asthmatic airway response in aeroallergen‐sensitized mice

“…We previously showed the effectiveness and safety of omalizumab in children with severe allergic asthma. 1,2 However, data on optimal treatment duration and discontinuation are limited. 3 They mainly concern adults.…”

“…and it has been detected in various human tissues and fluids. 1,2 In addition, toxicological studies have shown that TCS exposure induces physiological perturbations in animals and in humans. 4,5 Recently, a risk assessment undertaken by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) revealed that TCS was present in the urine samples of 75% of the US general population, and, in 2016, the FDA banned its use in soap products.…”

Household composition and the infant fecal microbiome: The INSPIRE study

“…In addition to vertical modes of transmission, the infant GIM may be continuously modified by environmental exposures; for example, maternal and/or infant antibiotic exposure is associated with a reduction in overall taxonomic richness and diversity of the infant GIM (Nogacka et al, ; Yasmin et al, ). Additionally, GIM composition may be influenced by pet ownership and proximity to animals (Azad et al, ; Tun et al, ), parental sanitation practices (pacifier cleaning method: Hesselmar et al, ; use of specific household products: Ribado et al, ) and other environmental factors varying by geographic location (Grześkowiak et al, ; Lin et al, ; Stearns et al, ).…”

From one species to another: A review on the interaction between chemistry and microbiology in relation to cleaning in the built environment

“…92 For example, antimicrobial resistance may simply be facilitated in ecosystems with higher microbial biomass and activity than the skin, as well as access to nutrients and moisture, such as the digestive tract or waste water systems. 95,96 Resistance may also be facilitated in areas with more consistent presence of antimicrobials such as building products, 46,47 which may be imbued with chemicals during manufacturing or may accrue chemicals from cleaning or hygiene produce residues. Mammalian host tissues readily absorb TCS, but sequester it in areas of the body apart from the host's microbial communities.…”