The detergent-resistance properties of 208 independent isolates of the Enterobacteriaceae have been examined. Of these bacterial strains, 200 were able to grow in the presence of ≥5% sodium dodecyl sulfate, including all members of the Klebsielleae tribe. This resistance does not appear to be plasmid encoded. It is proposed that detergent-resistant organisms he termed saponotolerant or saponophilic, by analogy with other microorganisms occupying harsh ecological niches. In contrast to their prevalent resistance to anionic detergents, not one of the 208 strains tested was found to grow in the presence of three different cationic detergents. This sensitivity to cationic detergents may be of significance in combating nosocomial infections.
La resistance it I\u27 action de detergents a ete evaluee chez 208 souches non-apparentees d\u27 Enterobacteriaceae. Deux cents de ces souches bacteriennes incluant tous les membres de la tribu des Klebsielleae ont ete capables de pousser en presence d\u27une concentration ≥5% de dodecyl sulfate de sodium. Cette resistance ne semble pas de nature plasmidique. Pour designer ces organismes resistants aux detergents, il est propose d\u27utiliser les termes saponotolerants ou saponophiles par analogie avec d\u27autres microorganismes qui occupent aussi des niches ecologiques hostiles. Contrastant avec la forte prevalence des souches resistantes aux detergents anioniques, on constate qu\u27aucune des 208 souches n\u27etait capable de pousser en presence de trois detergents cationiques differents. Cette sensibilite aux detergents cationiques pourrait s\u27averer interessante it exploiter dans la lutte aux infections nosocomiales
