Handbasins are hotspots for dangerous microbes that can cause illnesses including pneumonia, Legionnaires' disease and wound infections, a new study from Flinders University warns. The Flinders University environmental health study found handbasin biofilms contained a diverse range of pathogens including microbes typically found in water, and other pathogens not found in water. "This research shows that handbasins may be playing a significant and underestimated role in health care–associated infections," says Associate Professor Harriet Whiley, from the College of Science and Engineering and ARC Training Center for Biofilm Research and Innovation.
"The study also found that residential handbasins have a more diverse bacterial community present on handbasin biofilms compared with hospitals. "There was also a higher number of Legionella bacteria present in the residential samples compared with those taken from hospitals." Legionnaires' disease is caused by the Legionella bacteria, found in natural bodies of water, spas, warm water systems, potting mix and air-conditioning.
A system that used water for cooling was linked to a large outbreak in Melbourne recently which affected almost 90 people and caused two deaths. Biofilms, a slimy substance found on drains and around the faucet of handbasins, contain a community of microbes including disease-causing pathogens that can pose a threat to human health. These pathogens are likely transferred to the from patients or staff during .