Multi-drug-resistant bacteria on household textiles: characteristics, transmission and low-temperature washing

The aim of this study was to analyse how the properties of reference-resistant bacterial strains and textiles affect the transmission of bacteria, the antibacterial potential of detergents and disinfectants and how this can be implemented in low-temperature washing. Bacterial cells were characterised by a hydrophobicity test, and textiles were characterised by roughness and surface energy. Transmission and suspension tests were then carried out, followed by an evaluation of the wash. The results show that cotton has the highest roughness, polyester is the most hydrophobic and MRSA (methicillin-resistant <i>Staphylococcus aureus)</i> is the most hydrophobic bacterium. It was observed that resistant bacteria can be transmitted to a considerable extent via household textiles. The suspension test showed that the 0.5% European Colourfastness Establishment (ECE) reference detergent did not achieve a sufficient reduction (>5 log colony forming units - CFU) for any of the strains tested, whereas the addition of 3% hydrogen peroxide or 4% quaternary ammonium silicone compound did so for all of them. Washing at 60 °C reduced the textile contamination sufficiently (>4 log CFU) for all strains tested, while the criteria for cross-contamination and wash water were not met (<1.1 CFU/mL). However, the addition of disinfectants to the detergent at 30 °C met all hygiene requirements with the complete elimination of all tested bacteria on all textiles. Washing home textiles contaminated with resistant bacteria at low temperatures was only possible if a disinfectant was added. Otherwise, textiles can be an important vehicle for the transmission of resistant bacteria in domestic facilities.