The spread of antibiotic-resistant infections in hospitals may be exacerbated by health care workers who launder their uniforms at home, a study led by Katie Laird of De Montfort University has found. Published in PLOS One, the research highlights the potential risks associated with domestic washing machines when it comes to decontaminating textiles worn by medical personnel.
Hospital-acquired infections, often involving antibiotic-resistant bacteria, pose a significant threat to public health. Nurses and health care workers commonly clean their uniforms at home using standard washing machines. However, studies suggest that bacteria can linger on clothing, raising concerns about the efficacy of domestic machines in preventing the transmission of harmful microbes.
In the study, researchers tested six models of home washing machines by washing contaminated fabric swatches in hot water using rapid or normal cycles. Shockingly, half of the machines failed to disinfect the clothing during a rapid cycle, while one-third did not adequately clean the textiles during a standard cycle.
Additionally, biofilm samples from inside 12 washing machines revealed the presence of potentially pathogenic bacteria and antibiotic resistance genes. The study also uncovered that bacteria can develop resistance to domestic detergents, thereby increasing their resistance to certain antibiotics.
These findings suggest that many home washing machines may not effectively decontaminate health care worker uniforms, potentially contributing to the spread of hospital-acquired infections and antibiotic resistance. The researchers recommend revising laundering guidelines for health care workers to ensure that home machines are cleaning efficiently. Alternatively, health care facilities could opt for on-site industrial machines to launder uniforms, improving patient safety and controlling the spread of antibiotic-resistant pathogens.
The study concludes that domestic washing machines often fail to disinfect textiles, allowing antibiotic-resistant bacteria to persist. To combat the transmission of infectious diseases via textiles and address antimicrobial resistance, a reevaluation of laundering practices for health care workers is essential.
For more information, the study titled “Domestic laundering of healthcare textiles: Disinfection efficacy and risks of antibiotic resistance transmission” can be accessed in PLOS One (DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0321467).
Provided by Public Library of Science, this research underscores the importance of proper laundering practices in healthcare settings to safeguard against the spread of antibiotic-resistant pathogens.
