In. Okeke et A. Lamikanra, Bacteriological quality of skin-moisturizing creams and lotions distributed in a tropical developing country, J APPL MICR, 91(5), 2001, pp. 922-928
Aims: To evaluate the bacteriological quality of skin moisturizing products
in the South-west part of Nigeria and study factors predisposing their bac
terial contamination under tropical conditions.
Methods and Results: Viable counts for bacteria exceeded 10(3) cfu ml(-1) o
r cfu g(-1) in 8, (16.3%) commercially available creams and lotions at time
of purchase. Escherichia coli (8), Pseudomonas spp. (7), Staphylococcus sp
p. (9) and Bacillus spp. (6) were the most commonly recovered bacteria. Fol
lowing use by volunteers, the proportion of E. coli and other Gramnegative
organisms recovered increased. Organic matter, particularly in the absence
of preservatives, enhanced survival and growth of bacteria in creams stored
under ambient tropical conditions during challenge experiments.
Conclusions: Contaminated products are relatively uncommon but some product
s present a potential health hazard because they are unable to suppress the
growth of organisms of likely faecal origin during use.
Significance and Impact of the Study: Quality assurance during manufacture,
pack size, preservative evaluation, organic matter and water content were
identified as factors to be considered during the development of creams and
lotions for use in tropical developing countries.