Disinfectants May Promote Growth of Superbugs

Summary:

In a recent study researchers from the National University of Ireland in Galway shows that increase in using disinfectants in laboratory culture of Pseudomonas aeruginosa can cause increase in growth. Disinfectant can cause Pseudomonas aeruginosa to become resistant to ciprofloxacin, a commonly-prescribed antibiotic. Disinfectant can also cause mutation in DNA which cause them to resist certain types of antibiotics. Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection cause weak immune system, like cystic fibrosis. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an important cause of hospital-acquired infections. The study shows that adapted bacteria are more likely to survive when comparing to non-adapted bacteria when using small amount of non-lethal disinfectant. There could be an environmental factor in resistance.

Personal Response:

This news scares me a little. If we’re using disinfectants to kill germs, but instead if it cause them to grow then what is point of using disinfectants. Especially in hospitals or day care around kids.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/12/091227212310.htm