Researchers took water samples over one year from faucets used for equipment and hand washing at two hospitals to arrive at the findings.
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According to the study the “high level of contamination of aerators by various species of gram-negative opportunists” is a potential danger to patients with suppressed immune systems.
According to commentary published along with the study from Tara Palmore, MD, there is a need for more research on bacteria in hospital waterways: “Hospitals tend to have large, complex waterworks with low-flow areas that produce stagnation and biofilm formation; hot and cold water temperatures that are not well regulated may be ideal for bacterial growth. [..] The work […] is valuable in quantifying the frequency, magnitude and location of the potential hazard to patients from hospital water in their facilities. There is still a significant gap in our understanding of how and when such risk translates to patient infections.”
