Bacterial adaptation and resistance to antiseptics, disinfectants and preservatives is not a new phenomenon.

This paper is a historical review on the development of resistance to antibacterial compounds. As reduced susceptibility to biocides has been known for a long time, it might be expected by now to have resulted in the development of highly biocide resistant strains. Since this does not appear to be the case, it might, therefore, be argued that resistance to biocides is unlikely to occur. The author concludes that this conclusion is unwarranted and that biocides should only be incorporated into formulated products where necessary, and only with full appreciation of factors influencing their activity. Journal of Hospital Infection 2004;57:97-104.