A new study has found that many home washing machines may not be sufficient for decontaminating healthcare worker uniforms, potentially contributing to the spread of antibiotic-resistant infections in hospitals.
Researchers at De Montfort University have discovered that six models of home washing machines failed to disinfect contaminated fabric swatches during rapid or standard cycles. The team also sampled biofilms from 12 washing machines and found potentially pathogenic bacteria and antibiotic resistance genes.
The study suggests that domestic detergent may be increasing the resistance of bacteria, making them more resistant to certain antibiotics. This finding has serious implications for patient safety, particularly in hospitals where infection control is crucial.
The researchers propose revising laundering guidelines for healthcare workers to ensure their home washing machines are cleaning effectively or using on-site industrial machines to launder uniforms.
According to Dr. Katie Laird, lead author of the study, “Our research shows that domestic washing machines often fail to disinfect textiles, allowing antibiotic-resistant bacteria to survive.” The findings highlight the need to rethink laundry practices for healthcare workers and tackle antimicrobial resistance.
Source: https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1081453