Bleach ineffective at killing superbugs at hospitals, study says

The chlorine disinfectant known as bleach is applied for cleaning medics' scrubs and surfaces in hospitals.

However, researchers at the University of Plymouth claim it does not work against the spores of Clostridioides difficile (C. diff).

This is a bacteria which infects millions of people globally each year, causing diarrhoea, colitis and other bowel complications, Sky News reports.

Researchers have called for new disinfectants to be used (Image: Getty Images)

C. diff is the most common cause of antibiotic-associated sickness in healthcare settings across the world.

What do the researchers say needs to change?

The researchers have called for disinfectants and guidelines that are "fit for purpose" and suggest that clinical environments may not be clean and safe for staff and patients.

It comes as the threat to human health from superbugs is increasing amid a rise in antimicrobial resistance, known as AMR.

AMR occurs when microorganisms which cause diseases, including bacteria and viruses, are no longer tackled effectively by medicines like antibiotics and antivirals.

Dr Tina Joshi, associate professor in molecular microbiology at the University of Plymouth, said: "With incidence of anti-microbial resistance on the rise, the threat posed by superbugs to human health is increasing.

"But far from demonstrating that our clinical environments are clean and safe for staff and patients, this study highlights the ability of C. diff spores to tolerate disinfection at in-use and recommended active chlorine concentrations.

C. diff is the most common cause of antibiotic-associated sickness in healthcare settings across the world (Image: Getty Images)

"It shows we need disinfectants, and guidelines, that are fit for purpose and work in line with bacterial evolution, and the research should have significant impact on current disinfection protocols in the medical field globally."

How was the study done?

Scientists analysed the bacteria spore response of three different strains of C. diff to three clinical in-use concentrations of sodium hypochlorite (bleach).

The spores were then put on surgical scrubs and patient gowns, and examined using microscopes to establish if there were any changes.

The results revealed that C. diff spores could be recovered from surgical scrubs and patient gowns, with no observable changes.

This highlights the potential of these fabrics as vectors of spore transmission, researchers say.