title: Plumbing of hospital premises is a reservoir for opportunistically pathogenic microorganisms: a review.
abstract: Several bacterial species that are natural inhabitants of potable water distribution system biofilms are opportunistic pathogens important to sensitive patients in healthcare facilities. Waterborne healthcare-associated infections (HAI) may occur during the many uses of potable water in the healthcare environment. Prevention of infection is made more challenging by lack of data on infection rate and gaps in understanding of the ecology, virulence, and infectious dose of these opportunistic pathogens. Some healthcare facilities have been successful in reducing infections by following current water safety guidelines. This review describes several infections, and remediation steps that have been implemented to reduce waterborne HAIs.
authors: Division of Healthcare Quality Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA. MWilliams7@cdc.gov
authors: Margaret M
authors: MM
authors: Williams
authors: Catherine R
authors: CR
authors: Armbruster
authors: Matthew J
authors: MJ
authors: Arduino
mesh_terms: D018441:Biofilms; D003428:Cross Infection / Q000382:microbiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D004197:Disease Reservoirs / Q000382:microbiology*; D004203:Disinfection / Q000379:methods; D060766:Drinking Water / Q000382:microbiology*; D005658:Fungi / Q000472:pathogenicity / Q000502:physiology; D017408:Guidelines as Topic; D006761:Hospitals; D006801:Humans; D009170:Nontuberculous Mycobacteria / Q000472:pathogenicity / Q000502:physiology; D009894:Opportunistic Infections / Q000382:microbiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D012498:Sanitary Engineering; D014871:Water Microbiology; D018508:Water Purification / Q000379:methods; D014881:Water Supply / Q000592:standards*
chemical_list: D060766:Drinking Water