In a trend that may be cause for concern, a`recent study has found that the improper use of sanitary disinfectants may give rise to a class of bacteria that are becoming increasingly resistant to antimicrobial agents as well as a commonly used antibiotics.

The study, published in the journal Microbiology, focused on the effects of`benzalkonium chloride (BC) on the bacterium, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which is an opportunistic pathogen that is of particular concern for immunocompromised people and can give rise to pneumonia, infections of the gastrointestinal and urinary tract, as well as septicemia. BC is the active ingredient in certain commonly used over-the-counter antiseptics.

Scientists studied the pathogen by gradually exposing it to increasing amounts of the disinfectant. The result was that the bacteria adapted and survived in the presence of the BC by becoming more efficient at pumping it out of its system. Interestingly, the “super-bugs” also developed genetic mutations that made them resistant to the commonly used antibiotic, ciprofloxacin, even though they were not actually exposed to it.

The implications of the findings are significant and highlight the dangers that may result from the inadequate cleaning of instruments, skin, and surfaces. They also support the potential role that disinfectants and cleaners may play in the growing problem of drug resistant infections, especially in light of recent problems with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, or MRSA, as well as the emergence of a highly drug resistant form of tuberculosis. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, or CDC, the emergence of many of these antibiotic-resistant pathogens is linked to the improper application and overuse of antibiotics.

Resistance is a process whereby a living organism adapts and is able to survive exposure to something that was previously pathogenic. Bacteria are particularly suited to developing resistance because of their ability to grow and multiply so rapidly. In the presence of an antimicrobial agent, all it takes is for one organism to survive and thereby multiply into an entire population of resistant bugs. It is for this reason that it is extremely important to follow your doctors guidelines when taking medication.

>As disinfectants and sanitizers become increasingly ubiquitous, the public should be aware of their proper usage and application. If you have any questions or concerns, talk to your physician or consult the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) website for a listing of their registered antimicrobial products.