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A study published in the journal Frontiers in Microbiology has revealed that sink pipes in hospitals continue to harbour harmful bacteria, contributing to healthcare-associated infections
The latest study underscores the challenges of controlling bacterial growth in sink pipes, where disinfectants are less effective. (News18 Hindi)
Maintaining cleanliness in hospitals is crucial, as they harbour various viruses and bacteria. To mitigate this risk, hospitals are cleaned regularly. However, despite thorough cleaning, certain areas still accumulate dangerous bacteria.
A study published in the journal Frontiers in Microbiology has revealed that sink pipes in hospitals continue to harbour harmful bacteria, contributing to healthcare-associated infections. These infections are particularly prevalent among patients with weakened immunity. Moreover, improper adherence to hygiene protocols in some hospitals exacerbates the problem.
According to the study, such infections have become a global concern, with hospitals spending approximately 6% of their total budget on controlling them.
Excessive use of antibiotics further aggravates the issue by enabling some bacterial strains to develop resistance. When these resistant genes transfer between bacteria, the likelihood of new diseases emerging increases. Research conducted last year also highlighted the presence of dangerous bacteria in hospital toilets, posing additional health risks.
The latest study underscores the challenges of controlling bacterial growth in sink pipes, where disinfectants are less effective.
Professor Margarita Gomila of the University of the Balearic Islands in Spain, who contributed to the study, stated that “bacterial populations in hospital sink pipes change over time, regardless of strict hygiene measures, making the issue more severe”.
The research found that hospital sinks and pipes are regularly cleaned using bleach, chemicals, and steam, with pipes being hyperchlorinated annually at low temperatures. Despite these efforts, scientists identified 67 bacterial strains in the pipes. The highest concentration was found in general medicine wards and ICUs, while the microbiology lab had the lowest. Newly opened ICU wards exhibited a high diversity of bacteria, including Stenotrophomonas and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which can cause pneumonia and sepsis.
Researchers also discovered 16 other species of Pseudomonas bacteria, which the World Health Organisation has classified as a major antibiotic-resistant threat. These were especially prevalent in the hospital’s short-stay ward, along with other dangerous bacterial strains detected in various sections.
Scientists warn that hospital sink pipes could serve as major reservoirs for bacteria, including antibiotic-resistant strains capable of triggering new infections. Understanding how these bacteria originate and reach patients is crucial to preventing their spread.
