Are cleaning products effective at killing bacteria?

Connections quaternary ammoniumor QAC, are active ingredients commonly found in household and hospital cleaning products, including some disinfectant sprays and liquids, antibacterial disinfectant wipes and soaps.

The Infectious Diseases Society of America just published a study conducted by chemists at Emory University that revealed widespread resistance of a major bacterial pathogen to these active ingredients. The study shows an astonishing level resistance to cleaning agents belonging Pseudomonas aeruginosa a multidrug-resistant pathogen of particular concern in hospital settings.

“There are several ingredients that have been the leading disinfectants in most homes and hospitals for about 100 years,” he says. William Wuestprofessor of chemistry at Emory and lead author of the study, who adds: “Very little has been done to change their structure because they work very well against many common bacteria, viruses, molds and fungi, and are very easy and inexpensive to produce. “

One problem that Wuest and his colleagues have identified is that some bacterial strains are developing resistance to QAC. This trend could cause serious sanitation problems in hospitals.

New connection

The research also identified biocides that are highly effective against P. aeruginosa, including a new compound developed at Emory in collaboration with Villanova University. Researchers describe how these biocides work different than most disinfectants currently used.

“We hope our findings will help hospitals reconsider disinfection protocols for patient rooms and other areas,” says Wuest, adding, “We also hope that our findings about the new mechanism of action against these strains of bacteria can help inform the development of future disinfection products.”

What diseases can they cause?

Infections caused by P. aeruginosa include, but are not limited to:

• Blood infections.
• Heart valve infections.
• Lung infections.
• Urinary tract infections (kidneys and bladder).
• Bone infections.
• Piercing infections.
• Hot bath rash.
• Nail infections.
• Swimmer’s ear.
• Outer ear infections.
• Eye infections associated with injury or contact lens use.