Does microbial resistance or adaptation to biocides create a hazard in infection prevention and control?

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Infection Control
• Public Health

Background:

• Rising healthcare-acquired infections (HAIs) and antimicrobial resistance necessitate improved disinfection strategies.
• Increasing reports document microbial resistance to biocides, with documented cross-resistance to other antimicrobial agents.
• Lack of clear definitions between adaptation and resistance complicates practical risk assessment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose clear definitions for adaptive processes and biocide resistance.
• To review existing literature based on these proposed definitions.
• To evaluate the current risk of biocide resistance in healthcare.

Main Methods:

• Literature review and synthesis.
• Development of precise definitions for biocide adaptation and resistance.
• Analysis of studies based on defined criteria.

Main Results:

• Proposed definitions to distinguish reversible adaptation from potentially irreversible resistance.
• Literature survey indicates current risks to healthcare delivery from biocide resistance are low.
• Appropriate use of biocides is crucial for mitigating risks.

Conclusions:

• Clear definitions are essential for accurate evaluation of biocide resistance phenomena.
• Under appropriate conditions, biocides pose a low risk in healthcare settings.
• Further research is required to fully understand and manage biocide resistance.