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Bloodstream Infections Caused by Waterborne Bacteria

  • Treatment and Prevention of Hospital Infections (D Vilar-Compte, Section Editor)
  • Published:
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Abstract

Purpose of Review

We describe the mechanisms and risk factors related to non-gastrointestinal waterborne hospital-acquired infections, including bloodstream infections. Included are some characteristics of the main bacteria described in the literature.

Recent Findings

In the last two decades, the number of water living bacteria that had been identified as causing healthcare-associated waterborne infections has expanded. Among these, Legionella, Enterobacteriaceae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, other non-fermenting bacteria, and nontuberculous mycobacteria are included. We describe some of the main characteristics of the bacteria associated with the infections in the hospital setting, mostly bloodstream infections.

Summary

No single approach guarantees that hospital water will be safe for vulnerable patients, but a combination of engineering, chlorination surveillance, hygiene measures, and clinical care strategies can minimize the risk. Microbial contamination of the water supply in healthcare facilities is better prevented than remediated.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Infectious Diseases, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología (INCan), Mexico City, Mexico

    B. Gómez-Gómez M.D., P. Volkow-Fernández M.D. & P. Cornejo-Juárez M.D., M.Sc

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Correspondence to P. Cornejo-Juárez M.D., M.Sc.

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Gómez-Gómez B declares that she has no conflict of interest. Volkow-Fernández P declares that she has no conflict of interest. Cornejo-Juárez P declares that she has no conflict of interest.

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Gómez-Gómez, B., Volkow-Fernández, P. & Cornejo-Juárez, P. Bloodstream Infections Caused by Waterborne Bacteria. Curr Treat Options Infect Dis 12, 332–348 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40506-020-00234-5

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