Excessive use of disinfectants in intensive care patients may raise risk of antibiotic-resistant infections
An international study published in The Lancet Microbe has shed light on the concerning correlation between the increased use of disinfectants in intensive care units and the rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Led by researchers at the University of Bologna, the study underscores the need for a reevaluation of current healthcare protocols that advocate for universal decolonization procedures using chlorhexidine and mupirocin.
Universal decolonization, a practice implemented upon admission to intensive care, involves the comprehensive disinfection of patients’ bodies with chlorhexidine and nasal treatment with mupirocin. While initially effective in reducing the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria like MRSA, the study reveals unintended consequences associated with this widespread approach.
The research, conducted over a 13-year period in two Scottish hospitals with varying decolonization practices, found higher rates of infections caused by MRSE in the hospital following universal decolonization. MRSE, a lesser-known but increasingly prevalent superbug, is resistant to multiple antibiotics, posing a significant challenge in infection control.
Professor Marco Oggioni, a key author of the study, emphasizes the importance of reassessing the use of disinfectants in light of evolving epidemiological trends. While universal decolonization remains crucial in regions with high MRSA prevalence, the indiscriminate use of these procedures may be counterproductive in settings where the risk of MRSA infection is low.
The study’s findings call for a more nuanced approach to decolonization, tailoring treatment strategies to the specific infection risks present in each healthcare facility. By striking a balance between infection control benefits and the potential impact on antibiotic resistance, healthcare providers can optimize patient care and minimize the emergence of resistant pathogens.
Moving forward, the researchers advocate for the development of standardized guidelines that consider the complex interplay between disinfection practices, microbial resistance patterns, and patient outcomes. This holistic approach will pave the way for more effective and sustainable infection control measures in intensive care settings.
For more information on the study, titled “Universal versus targeted chlorhexidine and mupirocin decolonization and clinical and molecular epidemiology of Staphylococcus epidermidis bloodstream infections in patients in intensive care in Scotland, UK,” published in The Lancet Microbe, please refer to the DOI: 10.1016/j.lanmic.2025.101118. This groundbreaking research underscores the urgent need for a paradigm shift in healthcare protocols to combat the growing threat of antibiotic-resistant infections.
