Established and emerging waterborne nosocomial infections.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the recent advances in the field of waterborne nosocomial infections.


RESULTS
In the last year, many publications have confirmed the importance of well known nosocomial waterborne pathogens such as Legionella spp. or other Gram-negative bacteria, especially non-fermentative bacilli. There have also been numerous reports of outbreaks or pseudo-outbreaks caused by Mycobacteria spp. The most intriguing information relates to the possibility that some fungi causing nosocomial infections may originate from the hospital water distribution system.


CONCLUSIONS
Despite progress in understanding the pathogenesis of nosocomial waterborne infections, outbreaks, pseudo-outbreaks and sporadic infections still occur. Targeted quality control of hospital water, updated procedures for the appropriate use of sterile and non-sterile water, coupled with surveillance constitute the cornerstones of prevention of these infections.
Merlani
Giorgio M
GM
Department of Infectious Diseases, Vaudois University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland.
Francioli
Patrick
P
D021821:Communicable Diseases, Emerging / Q000453:epidemiology*; D003428:Cross Infection / Q000453:epidemiology*; D006761:Hospitals; D006801:Humans; D014871:Water Microbiology; D014881:Water Supply