Antibacterial ingredients in indoor dust could contribute to antibiotic resistance
Wednesday, September 7, 2016 - 14:32
in Health & Medicine
Antibiotic-resistant bacteria, known as 'superbugs,' pose a major public health threat. Some officials have even warned of a post-antibiotic -- and sicker -- era. To better understand the problem, researchers have been piecing together its contributing factors. Now, scientists report for the first time a link between antimicrobial substances such as triclosan in indoor dust and levels of antibiotic-resistance genes, which can transfer from one bacterial cell to another.