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Biocides in the Hospital Environment: Application and Tolerance Development.
Catarina Geraldes1,2, Luís Tavares1,2, Solange Gil1,2,3
1Department of Animal Health, Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health (CIISA), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal.
Microbial Drug Resistance (Larchmont, N.Y.)
|August 29, 2023
Summary
Hospital-acquired infections are a growing concern. This review examines chemical biocides for infection control, focusing on factors influencing efficacy and resistance development to prevent antimicrobial misuse.
Area of Science:
- Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology
- Antimicrobial Resistance
- Environmental Hygiene
Background:
- Hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) pose significant risks to patients, healthcare facilities, and staff.
- Biocides are crucial for reducing microbial load in hospital environments to prevent HAIs.
- Effective biocide selection and application are vital for infection control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review chemical biocides used in hospital infection control.
- To analyze factors affecting biocide efficacy, including concentration and organic matter.
- To address biocide misuse and prevent the development of antimicrobial resistance.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of chemical biocides for hospital infection control.
- Analysis of factors influencing biocide efficacy and microbial susceptibility.
- Discussion on strategies to prevent antimicrobial resistance.
Main Results:
- Various chemical biocide groups exist, each with specific properties and applications.
- Biocide efficacy is significantly impacted by concentration and the presence of organic matter.
- Improper biocide usage can lead to decreased susceptibility and resistance.
Conclusions:
- Understanding biocide characteristics and influencing factors is essential for effective hospital infection control.
- Judicious use of biocides can mitigate the risk of HAIs and curb antimicrobial resistance.
- Further research and education on biocide application are needed to optimize their role in healthcare settings.
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