In a very sterile environment, less germs. Apparently, this favors the pathogens, however, the formation of resistant, as researchers at the Institute for environmental biotechnology at the Graz University of technology have found out.

Antibiotic resistance is a global challenge. To find out the conditions under which bacterial resistance to develop, compared the researchers, led by Professor Dr. Gabriele mountain environments, which differ in their hygienic requirements, such as the intensive care unit of the Department of Internal medicine, University hospital Graz, clean rooms, the air and space travel, as well as public and private buildings.

It showed that the microbial diversity in areas with a high level of Hygiene is low, but there was more resistance. First author Dr. Alexander Mahnert said: "Built-up environments with strong microbial control in the intensive care unit and industrial clean rooms have a high percentage of resistance to antibiotics, which have the potential for pathogens to move."

Conversely, a stable microbial diversity and the spread of resistance was counteracted. First steps for the improvement and maintenance of microbial diversity could be according to the authors, regular Ventilation, indoor plants, the conscious use of beneficial microorganisms and the use of less anti-microbial cleaning agents. In the next step, the research team of the TU Graz aims to develop biotechnological solutions for a tailor-made microbial diversity.

ZOU