A new study, published from researchers at the National University of Ireland in Galway found that small amounts of disinfectants used in hospitals lead to antibiotic resistance. Scientists cultured Pseudomonas aeruginosa in the lab, exposing the bacteria to disinfectant. They found that doing so also made the bacteria resistant to the antibiotic Ciprofloxacin.
The findings are important for finding new ways to protect hospitalized patients with compromised immunity from infection with drug resistant bacteria. Pseudomonas aeruginosa can lead to infection in patients with compromised immunity. Disinfectants used in the hospital that are now found to lead to antibiotic resistance limit treatment options for patients, presenting a potentially dangerous situation that impact outcomes and lead to increased severity of illness.
Lead study author Dr. Gerard Fleming, says, "In principle this means that residue from incorrectly diluted disinfectants left on hospital surfaces could promote the growth of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. What is more worrying is that bacteria seem to be able to adapt to resist antibiotics without even being exposed to them."
Superbugs are becoming more common, causing concerns for public health. Recent studies show that infections are becoming more prevalent in intensive care units. A very recent study raises concerns about the rise in the incidence of the bacteria Acinetobacter, also acquired in hospitals. The new findings show that even diluted disinfectants used in hospital setting can promote antibiotic resistance.
Dr. Fleming says "We need to investigate the effects of using more than one type of disinfectant on promoting antibiotic-resistant strains. This will increase the effectiveness of both our first and second lines of defense against hospital-acquired infections." Superbugs, including MRSA, have been highlighted as a source of concern to scientists. New antibiotics that can treat drug resistant bacteria are currently lacking.
Microbiology 156 (2010), 30-38; DOI 10.1099/mic.0.029751-0
Comments
I have tried getting answers for going on six years now from the health care system to the health departments and politicians and you know what ? There's nothing they can do but lie, give excuses, pass me on to someone else or give no reply at all. I ask and ask how many more have to get this and how many more have to die before we demand the health care system clean up it's filthy hospitals and stop infecting our communities.
Google Wise County Issues and see my experience.
Of course the link will show you what we are led to believe is the acceptable standards of health care. Guess I disagree.
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