Abstract
The clinical failure of antimicrobial drugs that were previously effective in controlling infectious disease is a tragedy of increasing magnitude that gravely affects human health. This resistance by pathogens is often the endpoint of an evolutionary process that began billions of years ago in non–disease-causing microorganisms. This environmental resistome, its mobilization, and the conditions that facilitate its entry into human pathogens are at the heart of the current public health crisis in antibiotic resistance. Understanding the origins, evolution, and mechanisms of transfer of resistance elements is vital to our ability to adequately address this public health issue.
Highlights
During the last decade, antibiotic resistance by various mechanisms has increased worldwide in bacterial pathogens leading to treatment failures in human and animal infectious diseases (EARSS 2005, Harbarth and Samore 2005, WHO 2007)
In order to preserve the role of biocides in infection control and hygiene, it is paramount to prevent the emergence of bacterial resistance and cross-resistance through their appropriate and prudent use
Cole et al (2003) claimed after a study on 1238 isolates collected from the homes of antibacterial product users and non-users, that the results showed a lack of cross-resistance to antibiotic and antibacterial agents in target bacteria, as well as increased prevalence of potential pathogens in the homes of non-users
Summary
Directive 98/8/EC3 of the European Parliament and of the Council on the placing on the market of biocidal products was adopted in 1998. One of the problems within Directive 98/8/EC and directives dealing with similar kinds of substances is that cumulative risks and impacts resulting from the use of the active substance outside the scope of the Directive (e.g. in plant protection products, cosmetics, medicines, food contact materials, food hygiene, industrial chemicals, textiles and clothes, wood and plastic objects) are not addressed in the evaluation process This is especially problematic in view of such cross-cutting issues as antimicrobial resistance. It is considered relevant that the scientific assessment addresses the products regulated under the biocides Directive 98/8/EC and takes into account the potential contribution to antibiotic resistance of active substances in biocidal products covered by other legislation or in other applications (not regulated) This would include for example, cosmetics, surface biocides in food-contact materials, feed additives, and antimicrobial treatment of textiles or clothes. 5) Please identify relevant gaps in scientific knowledge and suggest major research needs
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
