Non-touch fittings in hospitals: a possible source of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Legionella spp.

Non-touch fittings in hospitals: a procedure to eradicate Pseudomonas aeruginosa contamination

“…7 One was replaced by a conventional tap and the other by a new non-touch tap. These two taps were disinfected using chlorine solution after being replaced.…”

“…The intensive disinfection procedure using chlorine products eliminated P. aeruginosa from the water system and from all conventional taps, but, as demonstrated previously by Leprat et al, this was totally ineffective with non-touch taps. 7 Non-touch taps, however, can be effectively decontaminated by meticulous thermal shock treatment. Thermal shock treatment is a wellknown way of eliminating Legionella contamination from water systems and supplies.…”

“…This means that they are easily contaminated with P. aeruginosa and Legionella spp., and it is very difficult, or even impossible, to decontaminate them by chemical means. 6,7 We report our experience with 87 contaminated …”

Pseudomonas aeruginosa in hospital water systems: biofilms, guidelines, and practicalities

“…However, sensor taps have been associated with a number of microbial incidents. 16 Following the incidents in NI, Public Health England (PHE) was funded by the Department of Health (England) to investigate the contamination of P. aeruginosa in a water distribution test rig located in the PHE laboratories at Porton, Salisbury. The test rig was built from components similar to those used in NI and was inoculated with the same strain of P.…”

Patients’ Bath Basins as Potential Sources of Infection: A Multicenter Sampling Study

“…Pathogens, such as Enterobacter cloacae, can create highly potent biofilms that lodge in hospital pipes, hot water tanks, air conditioning cooling towers, sinks, and even touchless faucets and then contaminate the water upon contact. 1,13,14 Without proper education and hygienic practice, hospital staff can transmit pathogens both into and via water that has become contaminated after contacting a contaminated surface. 15,16 A review of the evidence suggests a link between waterborne pathogens in the health care setting and the development of biofilm (multiple colonies of microorganisms attached to a surface).…”