Do Kinesio tapes increase the skin exposure to pathogenic bacteria?

Abstract

Kinesio tapes (KTs) are tapes used in physical therapy and athletics. We sought to evaluate if wearing KTs for extended periods of time increases exposure to antibiotic resistant opportunistic pathogens and/or effects normal human skin bacteria. The study consisted of 10 volunteers wearing 9 KTs on their arms for 5 consecutive days. Microorganisms were isolated from fragments collected on the second and fifth day then analyzed. Bacteria were identified using the BIOLOG system. Resistance to selected antibiotics was performed using E-Test. The effect of KTs on the growth of Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Micrococcus luteus was evaluated in a diffusion-based assay. We found that KTs accumulated environmental bacteria. Among 22 species 8 were opportunistic pathogens, and all of them exhibited resistance to at least one antibiotic. None of the tapes produced inhibition zones against S. aureus. One tape, Leukotape P, caused growth inhibition in non-pathogenic S. epidermidis and M. luteus. The adhesive material of the tapes inhibited the growth of all tested bacteria. These results indicate that KTs may increase the exposure to antibiotic resistant pathogens which can accumulate from the environment. Further, extended exposure could lead to changes in normal skin microbiota, potentially contributing to increased risks of skin infections.