Problems of conventional disinfection and new sterilization methods for antibiotic resistance control

Abstract

The problem of bacterial antibiotic resistance has attracted considerable research attention, and the effects of water treatment on antibiotic resistant bacteria (ARB) and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) are being increasingly investigated. As an indispensable part of the water treatment process, disinfection plays an important role in controlling antibiotic resistance. At present, there were many studies on the effects of conventional and new sterilization methods on ARB and ARGs. However, there is a lack of literature relating to the limitations of conventional methods and analysis of new techniques. Therefore, this review focuses on analyzing the deficiencies of conventional disinfection and the development of new methods for antibiotic resistance control to guide future research. Firstly, we analyzed the effects and drawbacks of conventional disinfection methods, such as chlorine (Cl), ultraviolet (UV) and ozone on antibiotic resistance control. Secondly, we discuss the research progress and shortcomings of new sterilization methods in antibiotic resistance. Finally, we propose suggestions for future research directions. There is an urgent need for new effective and low-cost sterilization methods. Disinfection via UV and chlorine in combination, UV/chlorine showed greater potential for controlling ARGs.

Keywords: ARGs control; Antibiotic resistance control; Conventional disinfection; Photochemical oxidation; UV/chlorine.