A method for inhibiting the growth of multiple-resistant bacteria comprises the topical administration of a pharmaceutical composition comprising 15% by weight or more of pentane-1,5-diol and a pharmaceutical acceptable carrier. Also disclosed is a method of preparing a corresponding medicament. A method of disinfecting a surface contaminated with multiple-resistant bacteria comprises providing a disinfecting composition comprising 15% or more by weight of pentane-1,5-diol and an aqueous carrier, applying the composition to the surface; optionally, keeping it in contact with the surface for a period of time from 5 min to 24 hrs at ambient temperature, and rinsing the surface with water or an aqueous detergent composition. Also disclosed is the use of a corresponding bacteriostatic composition.