Australian scientists from Macquarie University, joined by British colleagues from the University of Cambridge, have discovered that waste from cleaning and disinfectants helps dangerous bacteria protect themselves from antibiotics. The study was published in the scientific journal magazine Nature Microbiology.
Experts have studied how drug-resistant microbes (also known as superbugs) interact with biocides (detergents, bleaches, and antimicrobials) designed to kill them.
Scientists studied multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii, one of the most dangerous pathogens that threatens patients with weakened immune systems. The microorganism was treated with various biocidal solutions in the laboratory.
It turned out that eight out of 10 antiseptic agents in insufficient concentrations not only destroy Akinetobacter, but also protect against antibiotics. The biocides sealed the bacterial cell’s membrane, so the drugs could not penetrate it.
According to the researchers, their discoveries point to the need to re-evaluate accepted approaches to disinfection. At the same time, we should not give up using antiseptics, even though they are beneficial for some microbes.
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Source: Gazeta
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