Contaminated faucets and sinks as a reservoir for antibiotic-resistant bacterial transmission in healthcare settings

Qiao Li; Honghui Ding; Zhongju Chen; Wenyuan Li; Kun Tan; Chuan Xu; Mingjun Zou; Xiao Wang; Li Tan

doi:10.3855/jidc.18907

Contaminated faucets and sinks as a reservoir for antibiotic-resistant bacterial transmission in healthcare settings

Authors

Qiao Li Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9617-2696
Honghui Ding Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
Zhongju Chen Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
Wenyuan Li Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
Kun Tan Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
Chuan Xu Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
Mingjun Zou Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
Xiao Wang Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
Li Tan Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3855/jidc.18907

Keywords:

Multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria, faucet, hospital hygiene, antibiotic resistance, MRSA, CRAB, CR-Kpn

Abstract

Introduction: Multidrug-resistant bacterial infection has emerged as a global hygiene threat in hospitals, and outbreaks cause increased patient morbidity and mortality in the healthcare system. Mounting evidence points to faucets and sinks as the culprits in the outbreaks of multidrug-resistant bacterial infections. However, the mechanism and the route through which faucets and sinks contribute to antibiotic-resistant bacterial transmission are not fully understood.

Methodology: We collected 455 surface samples from faucets and sinks in over 60 areas covering four environmental classes to comprehensively overview the prevalence and distribution of multidrug-resistant bacteria in the hospital.

Results: We detected 32 carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter samples, one methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus sample, and three carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae samples. Thirteen carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter spp. and one Klebsiella spp. were identified in the 455 faucet samples.

Conclusions: Some faucets in the hospital were contaminated with antibiotic-resistant Acinetobacter, suggesting the possibility that the contaminated faucets and sinks act as a reservoir of antibiotic-resistant bacterial transmission. The current study assessed the prevalence and distribution of multidrug-resistant bacteria on the faucets and sinks in the hospital. It revealed the potential of faucets and sinks as a carrier of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, assisting in spreading them. Improvement of hand hygiene facilities to prevent antibiotic resistance deserves better attention. This study can further instruct us on a surveillance strategy to be used in hospitals.

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Published

2025-01-31

How to Cite

Li Q, Ding H, Chen Z, Li W, Tan K, Xu C, Zou M, Wang X, Tan L (2025) Contaminated faucets and sinks as a reservoir for antibiotic-resistant bacterial transmission in healthcare settings. J Infect Dev Ctries 19:98–106. doi: 10.3855/jidc.18907

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Issue

Vol. 19 No. 01: January 2025

Section

Original Articles

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