What Does Not Kill Them, Makes Them Stronger: Is the Inappropriate Use of Biocides a Driver of Antimicrobial Resistance?

Dear colleagues,

Biocides are used worldwide as components of numerous consumer products, antiseptics and disinfectants. They are applied in various settings, such as stables, food production facilities, private households and hospitals, where they help to prevent the transmission of microbial pathogens and consequently reduce the risk of infection. The improper use of biocides, however, can exert selective stress to microorganisms including pathogens. Concerns have been raised about the unintended release of sublethal concentrations of biocides and their impact on bacteria including the development of cross- and co-resistance to biocides and antibiotics. To tackle potential undesired effects of biocides an interdisciplinary approach is indispensable. However, One Health currently focus primarily on the reduction of antibiotic usage.

This Special Issue offers an open-access forum that aims to present novel knowledge of any viewpoint related to the impacts of biocides on microorganisms including epidemiological and mechanistic studies, description of innovative experimental techniques and regulatory aspects. Studies may focus on the microbial stress response and adaptation to biocides, inherent and acquired resistance mechanisms, the role of horizontal transfer of mobile genetic elements and mutations, the biocidal impact on microbial communities and the role of biofilms as well as the influence of biocides on microbial pathogenicity and persistence. High-quality original articles, reviews, and commentaries are welcome.

Prof. Dr. Sascha Al Dahouk
Dr. Ralf Dieckmann
Guest Editors

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