Antibiotic & Antimicrobial Stewardship: Disinfectants are Ongoing Focus of Resistance Debate

Report Summary

This report reviews the current global and national efforts to address antibiotic and antimicrobial resistance, and within this context, explores studies examining potential decreased microbial sensitivity to chemical disinfectants used in the healthcare environment.

Editor's Take

Given the growing problem of antibiotic resistance, environmental cleaning and disinfection can play an important role in helping to prevent the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Compliant cleaning and disinfection of environmental surfaces and medical equipment is a critical first line of defense against all pathogens in the healthcare environment, and especially those that are resistant to antibiotics, experts say. There is a growing body of evidence to demonstrate the effectiveness of environmental cleaning and disinfection as part of multi-modal strategies to reduce pathogen transmission, prevent healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), and improve patient outcomes.

Takeaways for Your Business

• Discover what is being done by governments, scientists and healthcare systems to address and curb antibiotic/antimicrobial resistance

• Review studies from the medical literature on reduced sensitivity to disinfectants

• Learn from experts about ways to promote environmental hygiene in healthcare institutions