Even More Studies on Hospital Plumbing and Gram-Negative Bacteria

Yet another report links ICU-based Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection to contaminated sinks; a second study suggests an inexpensive intervention.

Several studies have linked contaminated hospital wastewater systems to outbreaks of antibiotic-resistant gram-negative bacteria (NEJM JW Infect Dis Aug 2018 and multiple citations; NEJM JW Infect Dis Jan 2019 and multiple citations). However, the role of contaminated sinks in the development of more-endemic hospital-acquired infection has not been well studied, nor have simple practical approaches to limiting such transmission been developed.

In a prospective cohort study, Volling and colleagues assessed risk for sink-to-patient transmission of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in six ICUs for 1 year by analyzing P. aeruginosa isolates cultured from rectal swabs and samples from sink drains and faucets. Among 58 admissions with ICU-acquired P. aerugin…

Reviewing Author

Richard T. Ellison III, MD

Disclosures

Consult/Advisory BoardAcurx Pharmaceuticals, LLC;

Grant/Research SupportDoctors Company Foundation, Massachusetts Department of Public Health

Richard T. Ellison III, MD

Disclosures

Consult/Advisory BoardAcurx Pharmaceuticals, LLC;

Grant/Research SupportDoctors Company Foundation, Massachusetts Department of Public Health

Even More Studies on Hospital Plumbing and Gram-Negative Bacteria

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