scholarly journals 927. Tap Water Avoidance Decreases Rates of Nontuberculous Mycobacteria in Intensive Care Units

2018 ◽  
Vol 5 (suppl_1) ◽  
pp. S29-S30 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arthur W Baker ◽  
Becky Smith ◽  
Daniel J Sexton ◽  
Kirk Huslage ◽  
Jason E Stout ◽  
...  

Abstract Background We recently investigated a clonal outbreak of Mycobacterium abscessus molecularly linked to a colonized water supply at a new hospital addition. Use of sterile water instead of tap water for patient care in ICUs successfully mitigated the respiratory phase of the outbreak. We hypothesized that avoidance of tap water would also be associated with decreased respiratory isolation of other nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM). Methods We analyzed all positive cultures for NTM obtained at our hospital from August 2013 through December 2015. The pre-intervention outbreak period was defined as August 2013 through May 2014; the tap water avoidance intervention period was defined as June 2014 through December 2015. NTM isolation was defined as a positive culture from a respiratory specimen obtained from an ICU patient on day 3 or later of hospitalization. We also performed AFB cultures of biofilms obtained from ICU water sources. Results NTM were isolated from 137 patients during 70,168 patient-days (figure). NTM isolation decreased from 41.0 patients/10,000 patient-days in the outbreak period to 9.9 patients/10,000 patient-days in the intervention period (IRR, 0.24; 95% CI, 0.17–0.34; P < .0001) (table). Incidence rates of the 4 most common NTM (M. abscessus, M. chelonae/immunogenum, M. avium complex, and M. gordonae) also markedly decreased. Biofilm cultures were positive for at least 1 NTM isolate in 25 of 33 (76%) ICU water sources, including M. abscessus (n = 11, 33%), M. chelonae/immunogenum (n = 11, 33%), and M. gordonae (n = 11, 33%). Conclusion The use of sterile water for ICU patient care substantially decreased NTM isolation from patient respiratory specimens, presumably reducing risk of symptomatic infection. Hospitals with endemic NTM should consider tap water avoidance for high-risk patients. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.

2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (Sup8) ◽  
pp. S16-S24 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elizabeth Boaden ◽  
Lois Thomas ◽  
Susan Caroline ◽  
Higham Watkins

Thickened fluids are a recognised intervention strategy in use for people with dysphagia. However, their bacterial profile has not previously been examined. Aims: To identify bacteria and changes in bacterial profiles in a range of water sources and thickener preparations over a 5-day period. Methods: Nine experiments were performed using a range of preparations (sterile, drinking, non-drinking tap water) and a thickening agent (sterile sachet and a used tin). Findings: No bacteria were grown on serial subcultures of sterile water, both with and without thickener. Drinking, tap and thickened water left at room temperature for 24 hours may become contaminated with environmental organisms. Conclusions: The growth of bacteria in preparations of thickening agent appears to be dependent upon water quality, while the proliferation of bacteria is dependent upon the length of time the preparation is allowed to stand at room temperature.


2020 ◽  
Vol 16 (Sup2) ◽  
pp. S21-S28
Author(s):  
Elizabeth Boaden ◽  
Lois Thomas ◽  
Susan Higham ◽  
Caroline Watkins

Background: Thickened fluids are a recognised intervention strategy in use for people with dysphagia. However, their bacterial profile has not previously been examined. Aims: To identify bacteria and changes in bacterial profiles in a range of water sources and thickener preparations over a 5-day period. Methods: Nine experiments were performed using a range of preparations of water (sterile, drinking, non-drinking tap water) and a thickening agent (sterile sachet and a used tin). Findings: No bacteria were grown on serial subcultures of sterile water, both with and without thickener. Drinking, tap and thickened water left at room temperature for 24 hours may become contaminated with environmental organisms. Conclusions: The growth of bacteria in preparations of thickening agent appears to be dependent upon water quality, while the proliferation of bacteria is dependent upon the length of time the preparation is allowed to stand at room temperature.


2021 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Elizabeth Boaden ◽  
Lois Thomas ◽  
Susan Higham ◽  
Caroline Watkins

Background: Thickened fluids are a recognised intervention strategy in use for people with dysphagia. However, their bacterial profile has not previously been examined. Aims: To identify bacteria and changes in bacterial profiles in a range of water sources and thickener preparations over a 5-day period. Methods: Nine experiments were performed using a range of preparations of water (sterile, drinking, non-drinking tap water) and a thickening agent (sterile sachet and a used tin). Findings: No bacteria were grown on serial subcultures of sterile water, both with and without thickener. Drinking, tap and thickened water left at room temperature for 24 hours may become contaminated with environmental organisms. Conclusions: The growth of bacteria in preparations of thickening agent appears to be dependent upon water quality, while the proliferation of bacteria is dependent upon the length of time the preparation is allowed to stand at room temperature.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francis Hamwiinga ◽  
Chisala D. Meki ◽  
Patricia Mubita ◽  
Hikabasa Halwiindi

Abstract Background: One of the factors impeding access to safe water is water pollution. Of particular concern is heavy metal contamination of water bodies. This study was aimed at determining the levels of heavy metals in drinking water sources of Chingola District of Zambia. Methods: A cross sectional study was employed. A total of 60 water samples were collected. Thirsty (30) samples were collected in the dry season in the month of October 2016 and another 30 in the wet season in the months of February and March, 2017. For each season 10 water samples were collected from each of the three water sources. i.e. Tap water, Urban ground water sources and Rural ground water sources. Heavy metal analysis was done using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS).Results: This study revealed that the concentrations of Iron, Manganese, Lead, Nickel and Arsenic were beyond maximum permissible levels in various water sources. Combined averages for both dry and wet seasons were as follows: Iron: 2.3, Copper: 0.63, Cobalt: 0.02, Manganese: 0.36, Lead: 0.04, Zinc:3.2, Nickel: 0.03, Arsenic: 0.05. Chromium and Cadmium were below detection limit in all water samples. The median concentrations of iron, arsenic, copper, manganese in drinking water from the Tap, rural and urban ground water sources were different, and this difference was statistically significant (p<0.05). The median concentrations of arsenic, nickel, manganese and cobalt were different between dry and wet season, and this difference was statistically significant (p<0.05).Conclusions: Sources of heavy metals in water seems to be both natural and from human activities. The concentration of heavy metals in different water sources in this study was found to be above the recommended levels. This calls for improvement in water monitoring to protect the health of the public. Therefore, there is need for continuous monitoring of heavy metals in drinking water sources by regulatory authorities.


2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (9) ◽  
pp. 390-395
Author(s):  
Ian Ronald Howland ◽  
Ian Lucas Howard ◽  
Yugan Pillay ◽  
Beverley Dawn Ludick ◽  
Nicholas Raymond Castle

Introduction: A retrospective audit of electronic patient care records (ePCRs) highlighted the infrequent use of the traction splint for the management of femur fractures. The aim of this study was to improve the use of the traction splint for patients presenting with a mid-shaft femur fracture in the absence of contraindications, by means of introducing a purpose-designed trauma CPD training course. Methods: An intervention consisting of a simulation-based mandatory trauma CPD training session for all operational prehospital care providers was implemented over a 3-month period, supported by a pre- and post-implementation staff survey regarding staff perceptions of using a traction splint. Following the intervention period, a repeat retrospective audit of the ePCR database was conducted to identify any improvement in the use of the traction splint. Results: The use of the traction splint for a femur fracture in the pre-intervention stage was found to be underutilised (Median 16%). Following the intervention period, however, traction splint use increased significantly (Median 50%). An improvement was also noted in staff perception and understanding of the management of femur fractures. Conclusion: This study found that focused trauma training is an effective means to improve patient care. Training should be ongoing in order to maintain skills and knowledge needed for management of femur fractures.


Author(s):  
Hang Thi Phan ◽  
Thuan Huu Vo ◽  
Hang Thi Thuy Tran ◽  
Hanh Thi Ngoc Huynh ◽  
Hong Thi Thu Nguyen ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Catheter-related bloodstream infections (CR-BSI) cause high neonatal mortality and are related to inadequate aseptic technique during the care and maintenance of a catheter. The incidence of CR-BSI among neonates in Hung Vuong Hospital was higher than that of other neonatal care centres in Vietnam. Methods An 18-month pre- and post-intervention study was conducted over three 6-month periods to evaluate the effectiveness of the intervention for CR-BSI and to identify risk factors associated with CR-BSI. During the intervention period, we trained all nurses in the Department of Neonatology on BSI preventive practices, provided auditing and feedback about aseptic technique during catheter care and maintenance, and reorganised preparation of total parenteral nutrition. All neonates with intravenous catheter insertion ≥48 h in the pre- and post-intervention period were enrolled. A standardised questionnaire was used to collect data. Blood samples were collected for cultures. We used Poisson regression to calculate rate ratio (RR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for CR-BSI incidence rates and logistic regression to identify risk factors associated with CR-BSI. Results Of 2225 neonates enrolled, 1027 were enrolled in the pre-intervention period, of which 53 CR-BSI cases occurred in 8399 catheter-days, and 1198 were enrolled in the post-intervention period, of which 32 CR-BSI cases occurred in 8324 catheter-days. Incidence rates of CR-BSI significantly decreased after the intervention (RR = 0.61, 95% CI 0.39–0.94). Days of hospitalisation, episodes of non-catheter–related hospital-acquired infections, and the proportion of deaths significantly decreased after the intervention (p < 0.01). The CR-BSI was associated with days of intravenous catheter (odds ratio [OR] = 1.05, 95% CI 1.03–1.08), use of endotracheal intubation (OR = 2.27, 95% CI 1.27–4.06), and intravenous injection (OR = 8.50, 95% CI 1.14–63.4). Conclusions The interventions significantly decreased the incidence rate of CR-BSI. Regular refresher training and auditing and feedback about aseptic technique during care and maintenance of catheters are critical to reducing CR-BSI.


2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wen-Ying Huang ◽  
Pei-Chi Lee ◽  
Jaw-Cherng Hsu ◽  
Yu-Ru Lin ◽  
Hui-Ju Chen ◽  
...  

Yerba mate tea is known as one of the most popular nonalcoholic beverages favoured by South Americans due to its nutrition facts and medicinal properties. The processing of yerba mate tea is found to affect the properties of its final forms. This study presents an investigation into the effects of water sources on the dissolution of yerba mate extract powders. Comparisons were conducted between yerba mate teas prepared by dissolving yerba mate extract powders into tap water and deionized water. Topics to be explored in this work are the major compositions and antioxidant activities, including total phenol content, reducing power, DPPH scavenging activity, and ABTS+• scavenging capacity. It is indicated that there is little difference for antioxidant activities and major constituents of yerba mate teas between both water sources. However, a deeper color is seen in the tap water case, resulting from the reaction between tannic acid and ions. This research finding can be treated as a way to benefit the yerba mate tea processing for applications.


2009 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 133-139 ◽  
Author(s):  
H. K. Kim ◽  
J. H. Kim ◽  
B. C. Lee ◽  
S. J. Yu ◽  
H. J. Kim

Perchlorate is an unregulated contaminant, and recently, many cases of perchlorate contamination have been reported in the US. Unregulated contaminants (e.g. perchlorate) in drinking water are also of significant concern in Korea. We investigated perchlorate levels in tap water, river water, and sewerage water at 4 major water sources in Korea from June 2006. Tap water samples in the Nakdong River basin contained high perchlorate levels. Of the other sampling sites, one at Daegu showed the highest perchlorate level, 22.3 μg/L. The first 2 investigations of raw water sources for drinking water in the Nakdong River basin, found relatively high perchlorate concentration, 18.7–95.6 μg/L and 4.0–25.6 μg/L. The high perchlorate concentration in the Nakdong River basin was possibly derived from waste water discharged by an LCD (liquid crystal display) manufacturing factory in Gumi. The perchlorate concentration of waste water from the nearby sewerage water treatment plant was 730–1,858 μg/L. We modified the waste water treatment operation system at the LCD factory to reduce the perchlorate emissions from this source. The modified treatment system reduced the perchlorate concentration in the final effluent to 40–70 μg/L. Source reduction was successfully achieved by the modified treatment process and by using a perchlorate-free etching reagent.


2021 ◽  
Vol 227 ◽  
pp. 02001
Author(s):  
Izimbet Turdimambetov ◽  
Amet Madreymov ◽  
Lorant Foldvary ◽  
Medetbay Oteuliev ◽  
Murat Kurbanov ◽  
...  

An analysis of the leading sanitary-ecological factors of the environment affecting the incidence rates among the population of the Republic of Karakalpakstan in 2009-2018 found that between the indicators of the primary incidence of malignant neoplasms and water samples of open reservoirs that are not standard in chemical composition, strong direct correlations in the Northern (rxy = 0.89) zone, average direct correlations in the Western (rxy = 0.67) and Central (rxy = 0.57) zones were established. Similarly, strong connection was found in the Chimbay (rxy = 0.73) district, moderate correlation in Nukus (rxy = 0.44) and Ellikkala (rxy = 0.66) districts. The moderate correlation of the dynamics of malignant neoplasms with indicators of chemical pollution of tap water in the Chimbay (rxy = 0.33) district, well water in Kanlykul (rxy = 0.32) and atmospheric air in the city of Nukus (rxy = 0.41) was revealed and in the Republic of Karakalpakstan (rxy = 0.39). The solution to the problem lies in providing for the population of the selected districts with centralized drinking water that meets the state standard.


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