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Resisting disinfectants
Harrie F G van Dijk1, Henri A Verbrugh2,
1Health Council of The Netherlands, P/O Box 16052, 2500 BB The Hague, The Netherlands.
Communications Medicine
|May 23, 2022
Summary
Disinfectants can contribute to antimicrobial resistance, potentially worsening antibiotic resistance. Prudent, evidence-based use of all antimicrobial agents, including disinfectants, is essential to combat this growing public health threat.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Disinfectants are widely used in healthcare and community settings.
- The link between disinfectant use and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is often underestimated.
- AMR poses a significant global health challenge, threatening the efficacy of antibiotics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the underappreciated role of disinfectants in the development of antimicrobial resistance.
- To explain the mechanisms by which disinfectants can drive AMR.
- To advocate for the prudent and evidence-based use of all antimicrobial agents.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing scientific literature on disinfectant use and AMR.
- Analysis of the biological mechanisms linking disinfectant exposure to resistance phenotypes.
- Discussion of public health implications and recommendations.
Main Results:
- Disinfectants can select for resistant microorganisms.
- Cross-resistance between disinfectants and antibiotics can emerge.
- Inappropriate disinfectant use contributes to the overall burden of antimicrobial resistance.
Conclusions:
- Disinfectants are antimicrobial agents and their use must be carefully considered.
- Evidence-based guidelines are needed to ensure responsible disinfectant application.
- Integrating disinfectant stewardship into broader antimicrobial stewardship programs is crucial.
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