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Pathogen Control in Hospital Water Systems - a New Approach

This paper is also available as a pdf download.

Between December 2011 and January 2012, 4 babies died in neonatal care in Northern Ireland. The babies were found to be infected by Pseudomonas Aeruginosa, an ubiquitous, opportunistic pathogen (having intrinsically advanced antibiotic-resistance mechanisms) of environmental origin but favouring moist surfaces. A subsequent investigation into the fatalities identified hospital water systems and taps as potential reservoirs for the bacteria. Attention has since focussed on tap fittings and the last few metres of the water system for its potential to host pathogenic micro-organisms.

Retrograde Contamination
Potential, but flawed solutions:
A new Thermal Approach
Pipework Cleaning
Hospital Trials
References Cited