Current Understanding of Potential Linkages between Biocide Tolerance and Antibiotic Cross-Resistance

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Environmental Science
• Public Health

Background:

• Antimicrobials, including antibiotics and biocides, are crucial for microbial control.
• Co-application of antibiotics and biocides raises concerns about potential antibiotic cross-resistance.
• Environments like hospitals and agriculture may act as reservoirs for resistance development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current scientific understanding of the link between biocide tolerance and antibiotic cross-resistance.
• To evaluate whether laboratory findings on cross-resistance are applicable to real-world settings.
• To identify knowledge gaps and guide future research directions.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of published studies on biocide tolerance and antibiotic cross-resistance.
• Analysis of theoretical mechanisms, including efflux pump upregulation.
• Examination of conflicting results from environmental isolate testing.

Main Results:

• Laboratory induction of biocide tolerance can lead to antibiotic cross-resistance, often linked to efflux pumps.
• Environmental studies show inconsistent results regarding biocide tolerance and antibiotic cross-resistance.
• Lack of standardized testing methods may contribute to conflicting findings.

Conclusions:

• The relationship between biocide use and antibiotic cross-resistance in real-world settings remains unclear.
• Biocides may present a higher evolutionary barrier to resistance compared to antibiotics.
• Continued research with standardized methods is essential to inform policy and preserve antimicrobial efficacy.