MOSCOW, Nov 22 British scientists from the University of Plymouth have concluded that chlorine bleaches do not work against antibiotic-resistant bacteria, also known as superbugs, Sky News reported citing recent university study.
“Bleach is used to clean medical clothing and surfaces, but it does not work against Clostridium difficile spores, a bacterium that affects millions of people around the world every year, causing diarrhea, colitis and other intestinal complications,” the channel reports.
The bacterium Clostridium difficile is the most common causative agent of diseases for which antibiotics are prescribed. The researchers suggested that hospital environments may be unsafe for patients and staff due to inadequate sanitation. The threat to human health is increasing as bacteria become resistant to antimicrobial drugs, the material says.
Scientists tested concentrations of chlorine bleach with spores from three different strains of the bacterium Clostridium difficile, and then placed the spores on medical gowns. Researchers have found that chlorine bleach has no effect on the spores of this bacterium.
«This shows that we need disinfectants and recommendations that are fit for purpose and work in the face of bacterial evolution, and the research should have a significant impact on current health protocols around the world,» said University of Plymouth Associate Professor Tina Yoshi.< br />