UK Study Says Bleach Ineffective Against C. Difficile Spores in Scrubs

A recent study in the United Kingdom has found that bleach fails to kill Clostridioides difficile (C. difficile) spores in hospital scrubs, Infection Control Today reports.

According to the article, the report’s findings raise concerns about disinfectant efficacy and bacterial resistance when dealing with healthcare-associated infections (HAIs).

In a statement, Tina Joshi, PhD, a University of Plymouth associate professor in molecular microbiology who was involved with the study, said, “With incidence of antimicrobial resistance on the rise, the threat posed by superbugs to human health is increasing. This study highlights the ability of C. difficile spores to tolerate disinfection at in-use and recommended active chlorine concentrations. It shows we need disinfectants and guidelines that are fit for purpose and work in line with bacterial evolution, and the research should have significant impact on current disinfection protocols in the medical field globally.”

In an interview with Infection Control Today, Joshi emphasized that, while soft materials, like scrub fabric, cannot be disinfected, her intent with the study was to show whether or not the C. difficile spores were resistant to bleach. She expressed concern that antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and biocide resistance be taken more seriously.

“AMR is a real thing,” she said in the interview. “People need to realize that it’s bigger than climate change. We need to be able to disinfect, and that’s the first pillar of getting rid of infections. The best infection is the one that didn’t happen. The first thing is to clean properly…. Because if we bury our heads in the sand now and continue to use things that don’t work properly, we’re going to be in trouble, and we will be scrambling for new disinfectants like we are antimicrobials.”