The
research group investigated microbial control -- the degree of cleaning and
hygiene measures -- and how it influences the development of resistances.
Research was carried out together with national partners of the Medical
University of Graz in the framework of the BioTechMed-Graz inter-university
cooperation and international partners.
The researchers
compared the microbiome and the resistome -- i.e. all existing
microorganisms and antibiotic resistances -- at the intensive care unit of the
Department of Internal Medicine at University Hospital Graz with clean rooms
subject to strong microbial control in the aerospace industry and with public
and private buildings which have hardly any microbial controls. The analyses
show that microbial diversity decreases in areas with high levels of hygiene
but that the diversity of resistances increases. 'In environments with strong
microbial control in the intensive care unit and industrially used clean rooms,
there are increasing antibiotic resistances which show a high potential for
combining with pathogens,' explains Dr Alexander Mahnert, director of studies
at the Institute of Environmental Biotechnology of TU Graz, who is currently
conducting research at the Medical University of Graz.
The
results indicate that a stable microbial diversity in clinical areas
counteracts the spread of resistances. 'The microbial control of pathogens is
already being successfully used in cultivated plants and also in humans in the
framework of stool transplantation. Our study provides an initial foundation to
pursue such ideas in indoor areas in the future,' says Berg. Regular airing,
houseplants, the deliberate use of useful microorganisms and the reduction of
antibacterial cleaning agents could be the first strategies in maintaining or
improving microbial diversity.
In a
subsequent step, the research team at Graz University of Technology would like
to develop and implement biotechnological solutions for a tailor-made microbial
diversity.
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