Bacteria are becoming resistant to alcohol-based disinfectants

Antibiotic-resistant bacteria and antifungal-resistant fungi are a worrying phenomenon. According to a recent study, a new concern may be developing: alcohol-tolerant bacteria. A number of bacteria species are already resistant to a range of antibiotics; the infections they cause are difficult to treat, posing an ever-increasing threat to patients and staff. Because of the growing numbers of so-called superbugs, hospitals have introduced more stringent cleaning routines. Part of the regimen involves alcohol-based disinfectants, such as hand rubs, positioned in and around hospital wards. Since their introduction, there has been a significant reduction in the number of hospital-based infections.