Triclosan resistance in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus expressed as small colony variants: a novel mode of evasion of susceptibility to antiseptics

Abstract

Prolonged exposure of MRSA to triclosan-impregnated silicone, as in 'antimicrobial' plastics or catheters, resulted in the induction of SCV status and triclosan resistance. This has implications for industrial, medical and domestic use of polymers containing triclosan. SCVs are pathogenic and persistent. The widespread use of triclosan could lead to infection with MRSA SCVs, and new antimicrobials with physiological targets similar to that of triclosan might give rise to SCV resistance in clinical use.