Emergence of bacterial resistance to microbicides and antibiotics

Abstract

Public awareness of the role of microorganisms in infection and spoilage and the role of the media in highlighting poor hygiene and the failure of healthcare settings in preventing hospital-acquired infections, have fuelled the use of products containing one or several microbicides in the healthcare environment but also at home. The number of such products with a microbicidal claim is increasing rapidly, although their impact on the microbial flora, notably in terms of emerging antimicrobial resistance has not been documented. With increasing evidence that microbicides can lead to bacterial resistance and cross-resistance to antibiotics, concerns have been expressed regarding the indiscriminate used of microbicidal products. This review aims to provide up-to-date information on the use of microbicides in the healthcare settings.