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Antiseptic resistance: what do we know and what does it mean?
1Antibiotic and Antiseptic Consultants Inc, Silver Spring, MD, USA. ATSheldon@Starpower.net
Summary
Biocides used for hygiene may inadvertently promote antibiotic resistance in bacteria. This occurs because microorganisms share resistance mechanisms, raising concerns about public health implications.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Biocides (antiseptics, disinfectants, preservatives, sterilants) are crucial for preventing pathogen spread in healthcare and daily life.
- Concerns exist regarding potential cross-selection for antibiotic resistance due to shared microbial survival mechanisms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the link between biocide non-susceptibility and antibiotic resistance.
- To understand the implications of microbial adaptation to biocides on antibiotic efficacy.
Main Methods:
- Review of laboratory evidence on microbial resistance mechanisms.
- Analysis of shared survival strategies between biocide non-susceptibility and antibiotic resistance.
Main Results:
- Microorganisms utilize intrinsic or acquired mechanisms for biocide non-susceptibility that overlap with antibiotic resistance pathways.
- While direct impact on biocide efficacy may be minimal, selective pressure from biocides is a concern.
Conclusions:
- Biocide use may exert selective pressure on bacterial populations, potentially favoring strains with existing antibiotic resistance mechanisms.
- The conservation of survival strategies by microorganisms highlights a significant public health concern regarding the co-emergence of biocide and antibiotic resistance.