14/01/2020

Can multiresistant pathogens also develop resistance to the active ingredients in surface or skin disinfectants?

Yes, but in rare cases.

Background:
Resistance to disinfectants rarely occurs in principle. Because of its unspecific effects on microorganisms, there have not been any proven, acquired resistances to alcohol so far. Some rare occurrences of bacterial species, such as Klebsiella, are resistant to surface disinfectants containing aldehyde. In these rare cases of resistance, it is apparent that multiresistant pathogens show resistance to specific disinfecting active ingredients more often than germs susceptible to antibiotics. This can be explained by the existence of certain plasmids, efflux pumps, and changes in the cell walls.

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