New Research Shows Gaps in Cleaning Against Multidrug-resistant Bacteria in Healthcare Settings

ACS Infectious Diseases published new research demonstrating the surprising level of resistance to cleaning agents of multidrug-resistant (MDR) Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa), a pathogen of particular concern in high-risk healthcare environments.

Led by Emory University in Atlanta, the study identified new biocides, chemicals, or microorganisms used to control harmful microorganisms, and that are highly effective against P. aeruginosa, including a novel compound developed at Emory University in collaboration with Villanova University in Pennsylvania. The researchers describe how these biocides work differently than most disinfectants currently in use and pave the way for future innovations in disinfectant research.

More than 2.8 million antimicrobial-resistant infections occur in the U.S each year, leading to more than 35,000 deaths, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC names multidrug-resistant P. aeruginosa as one of seven pathogens causing infections that increased in the U.S. during the COVID-19 pandemic; infections remain above pre-pandemic levels. Worldwide, P. aeruginosa causes more than 500,000 deaths annually and has been named a pathogen of critical priority by the World Health Organization.