Recently, the World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported an increase in waterborne bacteria-related illnesses. The scientists ofFlinders University conducted studies to better understand the phenomenon.
Experiments revealed that some waterborne microbes are immune to most families of antibiotics and disinfectants. Thus, the risks of contracting diseases related to polluted water are real and even the hospital faucets are not spared. More serious measures must therefore be adopted.
Flinders University microbiology expert Melissa Brown served as a co-author on the research. The results of the study have been published in the journal Current Opinion in Infectious Diseases.
Water is a very real risk of contamination
Elderly individuals, infants and people with weakened immune defenses are particularly at risk of waterborne infections or OPPP (Opportunistic Premise Plumbing Pathogens). Moreover, with the products used for the elimination of these microbes, bodies immune to antimicrobials appeared.
They form a kind of biofilm giving them a increased resistance to disinfectants. Surprisingly, this OPPP protection is capable of harboring other dangerous infectious agents. After these biofilms form on plumbing surfaces, many ways of contamination and transmission develop.
For example, water taps that result in water splashing increase the chances of contamination of immediate areas. Unfortunately, the phenomenon is observed even in hospitals.
To avoid infections, strict measures must be observed
The disinfectant gels provide a barrier quite effective against the majority of infectious agents. However, the use of these products is not enough. The fact is that adduction devicespotable water are inaccessible areas for disinfectants. Yet they are also susceptible to contamination. As a preventative measure, regular filter replacements faucet are recommended.
“The COVID-19 virus has led to the use of sterilants and antiseptics, especially in health centers. However, these antiseptic agents are of no use with regard to the microbes hidden in the inlet pipes of the water that we drink. »
Melissa Brown, research co-author and Flinders University microbiology expert
SOURCE : MIRAGENEWS