Friday, March 29, 2024
News

Wet regions harbor dangerous germs: Study

   SocialTwist Tell-a-Friend    Print this Page   COMMENT

Washington | July 25, 2022 6:56:10 PM IST
A well-regulated hot water system can prevent the spread of waterborne pathogens, including an emerging infectious disease problem from 'superbugs' which can be resistant to most antibiotics.

However, experts warn that some drinking water treatment methods may be ineffective against some waterborne pathogens that pose a threat to immune-compromised individuals and point-of-use devices such as taps and showerheads may create havens for these microorganisms to grow.

However, Flinders University experts warn that some drinking water treatment methods may be ineffective against some waterborne pathogens that pose a threat to immune-compromised individuals -- and point-of-use devices such as taps and showerheads may create havens for these microorganisms to grow.

The elderly, newborns and those with compromised immune systems are especially vulnerable to waterborne infections. Numbers are rising of people with conditions such as advanced age, cancer and immunodeficiency issues who may be more at risk of 'opportunistic premise plumbing pathogens' (OPPP) infection.

Regular changes to tap and outlet filters, hot water service maintenance checks (for heat and pressure) and effective cleaning of shower and tap faucets are recommended for immune-compromised patients receiving healthcare at home or post-surgical management.

Healthcare at home has emerged as an alternative to extensive inpatient hospital stays -- especially through the COVID-19 pandemic, to reduce the burden on the healthcare system and to support those with potential long term respiratory side effects.

"These measures can help reduce the risk of waterborne infections in home care, along with quality treatments of mains water to provide safe drinking water," says lead researcher Claire Hayward, from Flinders University's College of Science and Engineering.

A new study published in the journal Current Opinion in Infectious Diseases, by environmental health experts at Flinders University, found evidence of hospital water as a source of potential infection and even antimicrobial and multidrug resistant organisms.

"Biofilms formed on taps, showers, drains and other outlets provide an ideal niche to harbour these dangerous antibiotic resistant pathogens originating from the supply water or the human microbiota from washing contaminated hands," says Ms Hayward.

OPPP infections such as Legionella pneumophila, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Mycobacterium avium are a group of waterborne pathogens that are slowly receiving increased public health attention in infection control guidelines.

"However, drinking water as a source of healthcare-associated infections continues to be overlooked or underestimated in this monitoring," Ms Hayward says.

The OPPP waterborne pathogens can be disinfectant resistant and persist in refuges with low nutrients, then form biofilms capable of supporting other clinically relevant pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus, Enterobacteriaceae, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli.

Once these biofilms are established on plumbing surfaces, there are many ways for contamination and transmission. The design of outlet devices that result in splashing and aerosolising of water can also increase the risk of contaminating nearby areas.

"The rise of these resistant pathogens has been identified by the World Health Organization and US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as one of the most significant threats to global public health," says research co-author, Flinders University microbiology expert Professor Melissa Brown.

"While the COVID-19 pandemic has increased the use of disinfectants and sanitisers, particularly in healthcare facilities, these antiseptic soaps do not tackle what's going on behind the scenes in the water supply pipes and faucets," she says.

The researchers recommend broad, universal surveillance guidelines to understand the role of drinking water and water-related devices to reduce healthcare associated infections and the rise of possible antimicrobial resistance that poses a threat to at risk individuals in residential and healthcare settings. (ANI)

 
  LATEST COMMENTS ()
POST YOUR COMMENT
Comments Not Available
 
POST YOUR COMMENT
 
 
TRENDING TOPICS
 
 
CITY NEWS
MORE CITIES
 
 
 
MORE SCIENCE NEWS
AI technique accurately predicts deadly ...
Researchers discover new approach to tre...
Researchers discover how gene mutation r...
Climate change disrupts vital ecosystems...
Study finds how ageing reduces ability o...
Israeli researchers uncover biological p...
More...
 
INDIA WORLD ASIA
Karnataka CM's son stirs controversy wit...
BJP's Ravi Shankar Prasad backs letter b...
'Today justice has been served': Wife of...
'If you do scams, then be prepared...': ...
HC stays opening of liquor vend on Gurud...
'Mulayam Singh govt wanted to save him':...
More...    
 
 Top Stories
Hospitable Moscow: What Indian tour... 
Geneva: Baloch activists at UNHRC h... 
BJD's Lambodar Nial thanks Odisha C... 
BJP announces candidates for Assemb... 
Lok Sabha polls: Chief Minister Man... 
Pakistan: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa govt t... 
"Strict action against those trying... 
UP's Ghazipur district administrati...