Disinfectants provoke resistances

Question

Dear expert team!

I read that using disinfectants can increase the development of resistances against antibiotics (here especially regarding PSA [Pseudomonas Aeruginosa]). If the amount of disinfectant used was not sufficient to kill the bacteria the genetic material changed. Drugstores sell a lot of agents that are supposed to kill 99.9% of the bacteria (e.g. Sagrotan®). Do those kind of agents increase resistances? Which disinfectants can be recommend for a CF household. Should these disinfectants be listed by the Robert-Koch-Institute [German institute for public health]?

Many thanks and best regards,

Answer

Dear questioner,

The development of resistance of germs is certainly more likely if disinfectants are used that do not kill germs reliably. However, there is no certain relation between the resistance against disinfectants and the resistance against antibiotics since different bacterial genes are responsible for the resistance mechanism [in German: Resistenzvermittlung]. Many of the agents that are sold freely have not been tested reliably regarding their bactericidal effect. So, if disinfectants are used for killing bacteria in the household these disinfectants should have been tested in a reliable way with regards to their bactericidal effects. Today, tested agents can be found in the list of disinfectants of the VAH [German: “Verbund für Angewandte Hygiene” = Alliance for Applied Hygiene]. All agents certified by the disinfectants commission are included. The list is the basis for chosing disinfectants for routine and prophylactical desinfection in hospitals, medical practices, public institutions and other areas where infections can be transmitted.

I hope to have been helpful with the answer.

Best regards,
Barbara Kahl

22.03.2010