SYNERGISTIC ANTIBACTERIAL EFFECT OF SOME MEDICATED SOAPS AGAINST THREE SELECTED HUMAN PATHOGENS (STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS, ESCHERICHIA COLI AND PSEUDOMONAS AERUGINOSA)

The increasing prevalence of infectious diseases caused by pathogenic microorganisms has intensified the need for effective antimicrobial agents in everyday hygiene products. This study investigates the synergistic antibacterial effects of selected medicated soaps against three clinically significant human pathogens: Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. These organisms are commonly associated with skin infections, gastrointestinal disorders, and opportunistic infections, respectively. The research adopted a laboratory-based experimental design. Different medicated soaps were tested individually and in combination using the agar well diffusion method to determine zones of inhibition. The results revealed varying degrees of antibacterial activity among the soaps, with some combinations exhibiting enhanced (synergistic) effects compared to individual applications. Notably, combinations of certain soaps demonstrated significantly increased inhibitory effects against all three pathogens, suggesting that synergistic interactions can improve antimicrobial efficiency. The findings emphasize the importance of selecting appropriate hygiene products and provide insight into how combined formulations may offer improved protection against infections. This study contributes to the growing body of knowledge on antimicrobial resistance and hygiene practices, offering practical implications for both consumers and manufacturers of medicated soaps.