In this issue, Larson and colleagues (4) performed a well-
designed, labor-intensive, randomized, double-blind trial
comparing symptom rates among families with at least 1
preschool-age child who used handwashing and household-cleaning
products with or without antibacterial ingredients. The
intervention households received a kitchen cleaner (with a
quaternary ammonium compound), laundry detergent (with
oxygenated bleach), and liquid handwashing soap (with
triclosan). Control households received identically packaged
products without the antibacterial ingredients. Both groups
received the same liquid dishwashing detergent and bar soap,
without antibacterial ingredients. The households were followed
for 48 weeks, with active monthly surveillance for adherence to
product regimens and infectious disease symptoms (vomiting,
diarrhea, fever, sore throat, cough, rhinorrhea, skin infection,
and conjunctivitis). No significant differences between the 2
groups were found in reports of symptoms, which included
rhinorrhea