Researchers have proven that popular disinfectants are ineffective against superbugs

Millions of people around the world become infected every year

British research has shown that disinfectants used in hospitals are no more effective at killing the superbugs Clostridioides difficile than water. This superbug infects millions of people and causes intestinal complications.

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Researchers from the University of Plymouth have proven that chlorine disinfectants for cleaning medical clothing and surfaces in hospitals and clinics are not effective against Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) spores. The bacterium infects millions of people around the world every year, causing diarrhea, colitis and other intestinal complications, scientists say.

In a paper published in the journal Microbiology, scientists suggest that susceptible people working and receiving treatment in hospitals may be unknowingly exposed to the risk of contracting the superbug.

Superbugs are the most common cause of illness in healthcare settings around the world, reports The Independent. The hospital environment may not be completely sterile and safe for staff and patients. Scientists have called for the use of disinfectants that “meet sanitary standards.” The bacterium is reported to have antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

The researchers, after publishing the results, called for much more work to be done to find other ways to disinfect C. diff spores so that the chain of infection can be broken.

AMR occurs when disease-causing microorganisms, including bacteria and viruses, can no longer be effectively controlled by medications such as antibiotics and antivirals. In the study, researchers examined how spores from three different strains of C. diff responded to three concentrations of sodium hypochlorite used in clinical settings.

The spores were then applied to surgical gowns and analyzed using microscopes to see if there were any changes. According to the results, C. diff spores could be recovered from patients' surgical gowns and gowns without any noticeable changes. This highlights the potential of these tissues as carriers of spores, according to the researchers.

Dr Tina Joshi, Associate Professor in Molecular Microbiology at the University of Plymouth, told Sky News: “With the rise of antimicrobial resistance, the threat posed by superbugs to human health is increasing. This study does not at all demonstrate that our clinical conditions are safe for staff and patients; we recommend using the concentration of active chlorine.» She added that “the study should have a significant impact on current disinfection protocols in the medical field around the world.”

The superbug Clostridioides difficile causes 29,000 deaths a year in the United States and almost 8,500 in Europe. Recent studies have indicated that bacteria infection rates had increased prior to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dr. Joshi, who sits on the Council of the Microbiological Society and co-chairs the Impact Committee, comments to Science X: “Understanding that How these spores and disinfectants interact is integral to virtually eradicating C. diff infection and reducing the burden of infection in health care settings.”

At the same time, she emphasizes that “there are still unanswered questions regarding degrees of biocide resistance in C. diff and the relationship between antibiotic co-resistance. With AMR on the rise worldwide, the need to find answers — how to fight C. diff and other superbugs.