Health care workers who wash their uniforms at home may inadvertently be contributing to the spread of antibiotic-resistant infections in hospitals, as per a recent study conducted by Katie Laird of De Montfort University and published in PLOS One.
Hospital-acquired infections remain a significant public health concern, especially due to the prevalence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Many nurses and healthcare professionals wash their uniforms at home using standard washing machines. However, research has shown that bacteria can still be present on clothing even after washing, prompting concerns about the efficacy of domestic machines in preventing the transmission of harmful microbes.
In the study, researchers assessed the ability of six different models of home washing machines to decontaminate health care worker uniforms. Fabric swatches contaminated with bacteria were washed in hot water using either a rapid or normal cycle. Shockingly, half of the machines failed to disinfect the clothing adequately during the rapid cycle, while a third did not achieve sufficient cleanliness even with the standard cycle.
Furthermore, samples collected from biofilms inside 12 washing machines revealed the presence of potentially pathogenic bacteria and antibiotic resistance genes. The study also highlighted that bacteria can develop resistance to domestic detergents, which subsequently increases their resistance to certain antibiotics.
These findings underscore the possibility that many home washing machines may not be adequately decontaminating health care worker uniforms, potentially contributing to the spread of hospital-acquired infections and antibiotic resistance. The researchers suggest revising laundering guidelines for healthcare workers to ensure that home washing machines are effective in cleaning. Alternatively, health care facilities could opt for on-site industrial machines to launder uniforms, thereby enhancing patient safety and curbing the spread of antibiotic-resistant pathogens.
The authors emphasize the need for a reevaluation of current practices, stating, “Our research demonstrates that domestic washing machines often fall short in disinfecting textiles, allowing antibiotic-resistant bacteria to persist. If we are serious about preventing the transmission of infectious diseases through textiles and combating antimicrobial resistance, we must reconsider how we launder the clothing worn by our healthcare workers.”
For further information, interested readers can refer to the study titled “Domestic laundering of healthcare textiles: Disinfection efficacy and risks of antibiotic resistance transmission” published in PLOS One by Caroline Cayrou et al. The DOI for the study is 10.1371/journal.pone.0321467, and it can be accessed at journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0321467.
This research sheds light on the critical importance of proper laundering practices in healthcare settings and the potential implications for public health. It calls for a reevaluation of current protocols to safeguard against the spread of antibiotic-resistant infections in hospitals.
