Focus: Plumbing

Are biofilms from hospital shower pipes harmful?

Some new bacteria with characteristics of species known to be harmful were seen


New research said potentially pathogenic bacteria may be lurking in hospital water supply pipes, according to an article on the Becker's Hospital Review website.

Built infrastructures, such as the piping inside buildings, have a microbiome all their own, the research said.

In a study published in Applied and Environmental Microbiology, the authors used next-generation sequencing on nucleic acid found in 40 hospital shower hoses to culture bacteria and determine whether it could be harmful.

Although no well-known pathogens were found, some new bacteria with characteristics of species known to be harmful were seen.

Read the article.



April 15, 2019


Topic Area: Infection Control


Recent Posts

The Future of Healthcare Facility Construction Projects

Brian Cowperthwaite highlights the invisible work that impacts everyone who walks through a healthcare facility.


Ground Broken on Jupiter Medical Center's Second Hospital

The 53,000-square-foot hospital will include 29 inpatient beds, four operating rooms, 24-hour emergency services, a diagnostic laboratory and imaging services.


Singing River Health System Ensnared by Data Breach

Through an investigation, on February 10, 2026, SRHS learned that the unauthorized party had accessed certain SRHS files that contained patient information.


Partnering on Personnel: Strategies for Success

Environmental services in healthcare have special staffing circumstances. They must meet stringent compliance standards and maintain accreditations.


Kaiser Permanente Opens First Two Medical Offices in Northern Nevada

These are part of its joint venture with Renown Health.


 
 


FREE Newsletter Signup Form

News & Updates | Webcast Alerts
Building Technologies | & More!

 
 
 


All fields are required. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.