Disinfection spreads antimicrobial resistance

Disinfectants facilitate the bacterial acquisition of AMR, potentially the biggest global health challenge next to the COVID-19 pandemic. For example, antiseptic ingredients quaternary ammonium compounds, triclosan, chlorhexidine, and ethanol; chlorine-based disinfectants; and disinfection by-products can promote the spread of AMR through mutation or horizontal gene transfer. Thus, current increases in disinfection practices may pose an environmental and public health risk by accelerating the spread of AMR.