Bleach Ineffective Against Hospital Superbug C. diff, Study Finds

Overuse of ineffective disinfectants contributes to global rise of antimicrobial resistance, researchers warn.

Bleach, commonly used in hospitals to disinfect surfaces and surgical gowns, is no more effective than water at killing the superbug Costridioides difficile (C. diff), according to a study by the University of Plymouth.
C. diff infects about half a million Americans each year, causing symptoms such as repetitive diarrhea, colon inflammation, fever, stomach pain and nausea. It is particularly prevalent in hospital settings and among those who have recently taken antibiotics.
The study found that C. diff spores remained intact on hospital surfaces and fabrics despite being cleaned with hospital-recommended levels of chlorine bleach.
Overuse of ineffective biocides like bleach is contributing to the rise of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) globally, creating an environment for bacteria to thrive, multiply and become resistant to existing treatments.
The researchers have called for the development of effective alternative cleaning solutions to reduce the burden of hospital infections as bacteria continue to evolve and become resistant.