Handbasins are identified as breeding grounds for harmful microbes that can lead to severe health issues like pneumonia, Legionnaires’ disease, and wound infections, according to a new study from Flinders University.
A recent study from Flinders University highlights that handbasins host bacteria that can lead to serious illnesses such as pneumonia and Legionnaires’ disease, as well as infections from wounds.
The research on environmental health revealed that biofilms in handbasins harbor a wide variety of pathogens. These biofilms consist of both microbes that are commonly found in water and those that are not typically present in water sources.
“The research indicated that handbasins in homes have a more varied bacterial population compared to those in hospital environments,” the study noted.
“Additionally, there was a notable presence of Legionella bacteria in residential samples as opposed to those from hospital settings.”
Legionnaires’ disease is instigated by the Legionella bacterium, commonly found in natural water bodies, hot tubs, warm water systems, potting soil, and air-conditioning units. A significant outbreak linked to a cooling system in Melbourne recently affected nearly 90 individuals and resulted in two fatalities.
Biofilms, a slimy layer that appears in drains and around the faucets of handbasins, are made up of various microbes, including those that can cause diseases, posing a risk to human health.
The study published in Science of the Total Environment suggests that these harmful microbes likely enter the biofilm through handwashing by patients or staff, through the incoming water supply, or via biological waste.
This new research compared biofilms from hospital and household handbasins to evaluate the risk of infections and the potential ways these could be contaminated.
Lead researcher Claire Hayward explains, “The variations in microbial diversity might result from more frequent cleaning, greater usage, and the design of hospital basins, which incorporates infection control protocols.”
“This raises concerns for patients receiving home healthcare, which is becoming a preferred alternative to lengthy hospital stays to lessen the pressure on the healthcare system.”
“It’s crucial for patients in home healthcare to be made aware of infection control measures, including the use of effective disinfectants for cleaning handbasin outlets and drains,” she emphasizes.
“Biofilms that form in taps and drains of handbasins can harbor pathogenic microbes and contribute to the increase of antimicrobial resistance,” adds PhD candidate Ms. Hayward.
“In both residential and hospital settings, we observed a significant presence of harmful and corrosive microorganisms, including those not typically associated with water sources.”
“The complex and varied microbial communities showed differences based on building types, suggesting that hospitals also need stricter guidelines to manage these often-overlooked potential sources of infection.”
According to the Australian Guidelines for the Prevention and Control of Infection in Healthcare, it is recommended that handwashing basins be cleaned up to twice daily with detergent, along with other frequently touched surfaces like light switches, doorknobs, and bedrails at the same frequency.
Researchers advise that further studies be conducted on cleaning practices and the design of handbasins to minimize such risks.
