Chapter 6 : Resistance of Bacteria to Biocides

Abstract:

Chemical biocides have been used for centuries for making water and foodstuff safe to consume, for treating wounds, and for preserving materials since well before the discovery of microorganisms. Today chemical biocides are heavily used in a wide range of applications and environments including the consumer product, water, wastewater, and food industries; goods manufacturing; the pharmaceutical industry; the health care and veterinary sectors; and the oil and gas industries ( 1 ). This wide range of applications reflects the versatility of biocide products for environmental disinfection, product preservation, and antisepsis ( 2 ). In Europe it is difficult to estimate the quantity of chemical biocides that are used in products or imported ( 1 ), although in 2006 the market for biocides was estimated to be €10 billion to €11 billion ( 1 ). It is, however, clear that the usage of chemical biocides is continuing to increase, particularly in consumer products. This increased usage may be partly due to consumers’ increased awareness of microbial contamination and infection. The rise in antibiotic resistance in bacteria might also have impacted on the usage of biocides, at least in the health care and veterinary settings ( 3 ). Widespread media coverage of issues of hospital cleanliness and “superbugs” have also contributed to better-informed customers, providing better marketing arguments for manufacturers and distributors of biocidal products ( 3 ). Alongside a better-informed public, the global increase in antimicrobial resistance in bacteria is forcing decision makers to tackle this growing issue. One of the recommended interventions is better hygiene and control of bacteria on surfaces in health care settings but also in animal husbandry ( 4 ).