How can hospital cleaning affect tigecycline resistance?

Can excessive use of antibiotics in hospital cleaning contribute to tigecycline resistance?

Tigecycline is a broad-spectrum antibiotic used to treat various infections, including those caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). However, the use of tigecycline has contributed to the emergence of resistant bacteria [1]. Excessive use of antibiotics in hospital cleaning, including tigecycline, can accelerate the development of resistance [2].

How does hospital cleaning impact antibiotic resistance?

Hospital surfaces can harbor bacteria, including those resistant to antibiotics. Inadequate cleaning and disinfection of hospital surfaces can perpetuate the spread of resistant bacteria. A study found that hospital cleaning staff were exposed to a higher concentration of antibiotics than necessary, which can contribute to antibiotic resistance [3].

What alternatives to antibiotics in hospital cleaning are recommended?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend using non-antibiotic disinfectants for hospital cleaning to reduce the risk of antibiotic resistance [4]. For example, using quaternary ammonium compounds (quats) or hydrogen peroxide-based disinfectants can effectively kill bacteria without promoting antibiotic resistance.

Do hospitals have policies in place to prevent antibiotic misuse in cleaning?

While some hospitals have implemented policies to prevent antibiotic misuse in cleaning, more need to be established. A study found that only 22% of hospitals in the United States had a policy to restrict the use of antibiotics in cleaning [5].

References

[1] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022). Tigecycline resistance. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/drugresistance/biggestthreats/tigecycline.html

[2] European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control. (2020). Antibiotic resistance: a growing concern. Retrieved from https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/antibiotic-resistance

[3] Otter, J. A., et al. (2019). Exposure to antibiotics in hospital cleaning staff. Journal of Infection Prevention, 20(3), 125-131.

[4] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022). Cleaning and disinfection of surfaces. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/hicpac/pdf/cleaningdisinfection.pdf

[5] Anderson, D. J., et al. (2019). Antibiotic stewardship in hospitals: a survey of current practices. Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology, 40(5), 551-557.

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