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.

Keywords:

• healthcare-associated infection
• biofilm
• potable water
• premise plumbing
• opportunistic pathogen

Acknowledgment

The authors thank Joe Carpenter of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for his review of the manuscript. The opinions in this article belong to the authors and may not represent the position of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.