APA 7: TWs Editor. (2023, November 22). Study Reveals Chlorine Disinfectant Fails to Kill Hospital Superbug Better Than Water. PerEXP Teamworks. [News Link]
A study conducted by the University of Plymouth demonstrates that spores of Clostridioides difficile, often referred to as C. diff, remain entirely unaffected even when exposed to high concentrations of bleach commonly used in numerous hospitals. Surprisingly, the chlorine chemicals exhibit no greater efficacy in harming the spores when employed as a surface disinfectant compared to using water without any additives.
The authors of the study, published in the journal Microbiology, express concern that individuals susceptible to infections, particularly those working and receiving treatment in clinical settings, may unknowingly face an increased risk of contracting the superbug. Given the escalation of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) globally due to the excessive use of biocides, they emphasize the critical need for urgent research to identify alternative strategies for disinfecting C. diff spores. This is deemed essential to disrupt the chain of transmission in clinical environments.
Conducted by Dr. Tina Joshi, an Associate Professor in Molecular Microbiology at the University of Plymouth, the study involved collaboration with Humaira Ahmed, a fourth-year Medicine student from the University’s Peninsula Medical School.
Dr. Joshi emphasized the escalating incidence of antimicrobial resistance, underscoring the growing threat of superbugs to human health. Contrary to the assumption that clinical environments are entirely clean and secure for both staff and patients, the study reveals the resilience of C. difficile spores to disinfection at active chlorine concentrations commonly used and recommended. This highlights the imperative need for disinfectants and guidelines that align with bacterial evolution. The research is expected to significantly influence current disinfection protocols in the global medical field.
Clostridioides difficile, commonly referred to as C. diff, is a microorganism responsible for inducing diarrhea, colitis, and various other bowel complications. It is notorious for affecting millions of individuals worldwide annually.
C. diff leads to approximately 29,000 fatalities annually in the United States and nearly 8,500 in Europe. Recent data indicates a rising trend in C. diff infections before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in the UK.
In earlier research, Dr. Joshi and her team showcased the resilience of C. diff spores, illustrating their capability to endure exposure to recommended concentrations of sodium dichloroisocyanurate in liquid form, as well as within materials like surgical gowns used for personal protection.
In the recent study, the response of spores from three distinct strains of C. diff to three clinical in-use concentrations of sodium hypochlorite was investigated. These spores were subsequently applied to surgical scrubs and patient gowns, and scanning electron microscopes were employed to assess any potential morphological alterations in the outer spore coat.
Dr. Joshi, a member of the Microbiology Society Council and Co-Chair of their Impact & Influence Committee, emphasized the importance of comprehending the interaction between C. diff spores and disinfectants. This understanding is crucial for the practical management of C. diff infections and the reduction of infection rates in healthcare settings. She highlighted lingering uncertainties about the extent of biocide tolerance within C. diff and whether it is influenced by antibiotic co-tolerance. Given the global increase in antimicrobial resistance (AMR), Dr. Joshi stressed the urgent need to address these questions, not only for C. diff but also for other superbugs.
Resources
- ONLINE NEWS University of Plymouth. (2023, November 22). Chlorine disinfectant is no more effective than water at killing off hospital superbug, new study shows. Phys.org. [Phys.org]
- JOURNAL Ahmed, H., & Joshi, L. T. (2023). Clostridioides difficile spores tolerate disinfection with sodium hypochlorite disinfectant and remain viable within surgical scrubs and gown fabrics. Microbiology, 169(11). [Microbiology]
