Introduction: Disinfection is a process that destroys microorganisms to the point where they are unable to cause infections. We can use special preparations with chemical substances with antimicrobial action – disinfectants. With frequent, incorrect, and uncontrolled use of disinfectants, their concentration in the environment can increase and can affect the development of defence mechanisms and resistance in bacteria. In 2020, due to limiting the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 (coronavirus) virus, disinfection became a part of everyday life. We disinfect surfaces that users often touch and our hands, especially before entering public facilities. Due to the possible rapid adaptation of bacteria to environmental pressures, the public should take great care when disinfecting. Otherwise, we may be unsuccessful in our work or even contribute to the development of resistance. Purpose: To examine whether the proportion of disinfectant-resistant bacteria present in public areas and on people's skin has increased due to the more intensive use of disinfectants. Methods: We observed users' habits of using disinfectants in public places. Bacterial strains for testing were sampled on public surfaces and on volunteers' hands. We identified them with morphological and biochemical tests. Bacterial resistance against disinfectants was determined using the disk diffusion method and the microdilution method. Results: Less than 50% of users disinfected their hands upon entry and exit at disinfection stations in public places. The largest number of bacteria were most sensitive to disinfectants whose main active ingredients were quaternary ammonium acids (disinfectant A), hydrogen peroxide with alcohol (disinfectant C), and hydrogen peroxide with alcohol and biguanide (disinfectant F). We found the largest average inhibition zones with these disinfectants. The most resistant bacteria were the ones isolated from disinfectant doses, especially members of the genus Bacillus. The least resistant were strains of the genera Staphylococcus and Micrococcus. Discussion and conclusion: One year after the first wave of the epidemic in Slovenia, users no longer regularly disinfect their hands, which may be the result of prolonged exposure to the risk of infection. The highest total number of aerobic mesophilic bacteria was found on surfaces not in contact with disinfectants. Most of the bacteria that were resistant to the tested disinfectants were isolated from the disinfectant doses. There, the bacteria are most intensively exposed to disinfectants and are not affected by users who do not disinfect their hands. The bacteria were more sensitive to the action of disinfectants containing several different types of active components.
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