Disinfectants: Bacteria Adapt
Posted on | December 29, 2009 | Comments Off
Dr. Gerard Fleming is the lead researcher on a new study of the growth of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Dr. Fleming works from the National University of Ireland in Galway in the department of microbiology.
The research suggests that some bacteria eat disinfectants. The study looked at Pseudomonas aeruginosa which is responsible for infections in people with weakened immune systems. As the scientists added disinfectant to P. aeruginosa, the bacteria adapted not only to the disinfectant but also to the antibiotic ciprofloxacin.
Fleming said, “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. 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.”
Tags: antibiotic-resistant bacteria > drugs > health > weakened immune systems > wellness
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