The spread of antibiotic-resistant pathogens is a global health problem More and more serious that, support the latest studies, could even cause 39 million deaths from here to 2050.
The infections contracted in the hospital, often caused by antibiotic resistant superbatters, could spread starting from the chimney of doctors and healthcare professionals: a study published on Plos One investigated the effectiveness of the domestic washing of these uniforms, discovering that Often the tissues do not come out disinfected and can therefore convey infectious pathogens.
Not very effective. Scholars analyzed six washing machine models, checking their effectiveness in eliminating any pathogens on the tissues through a quick and normal cycle. Half of the analyzed machines was unable to disinfect the uniforms with the rapid cycle, while a third was ineffective even with the standard cycle.
Also resistant to detergents. The team then leaned the biofilm (aggregations of pathogens) present in 12 washing machines and sequenmed the DNA: the analysis revealed the presence of potentially pathogenic bacteria and antibiotic resistance genes, also highlighting the Bacteria ability to become “immune” even to domestic detergents – Which would increase its resistance to some antibiotics.
More control. The results clearly show that some types of domestic washing machines are unable to sanitize the uniforms used in the hospital and could therefore indirectly contribute to worsening the problem of the spread of antibiotic-resistant pathogens in the world: For this reason, the authors advise to review the washing guidelines provided to healthcare professionals to ensure that domestic washing machines clean uniforms effectively; alternatively it would be possible Wash the cups directly in the hospital with industrial machinesthus improving the safety of patients and braking the spread of antibiotic -resistant bacteria.
