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Showerhead (stock image).
Credit: © allexxandarx / Fotolia
Researchers from the University of Colorado, Boulder have now shown that the regions in the United States where pathogenic mycobacteria are most prevalent in showerheads are the same regions where nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) lung infections are most common. The study, published in the journal, mBio, emphasizes the important role of showerheads in the transmission of NTM infections.
Bacteria thrive in showerheads and throughout household water distribution systems. While most of these bacteria are innocuous, some are potential pathogens, including members of the genus Mycobacterium that can cause NTM lung infection, a threat to public health. The researchers surveyed showerheads in households across the United States and Europe and found that showerheads “often harbor abundant mycobacterial communities that vary in composition depending on geographic location, water chemistry, and water source,” according to the study. Households that received water treated with chlorine disinfectants had particularly high abundances of certain mycobacteria.
Their results highlight the public health relevance of mycobacteria in showerhead bio?lms and advance our understanding of NTM transmission dynamics. This study demonstrates that mycobacterial distributions in showerhead bio?lms are often predictable from household location and water chemistry. The results will help develop strategies to reduce exposures to these emerging pathogens.
Story Source:
Materials provided by American Society for Microbiology. Note: Content may be edited for style and length.
Journal Reference:
- Matthew J. Gebert, Manuel Delgado-Baquerizo, Angela M. Oliverio, Tara M. Webster, Lauren M. Nichols, Jennifer R. Honda, Edward D. Chan, Jennifer Adjemian, Robert R. Dunn, Noah Fierer. Ecological Analyses of Mycobacteria in Showerhead Biofilms and Their Relevance to Human Health. mBio, 2018; 9 (5) DOI: 10.1128/mBio.01614-18
Cite This Page:
American Society for Microbiology. “Showerhead bacteria and lung infections: Researchers find correlation.” . , 30 October 2018. <www..com/releases/2018/10/181030091425.htm>.
American Society for Microbiology. (2018, October 30). Showerhead bacteria and lung infections: Researchers find correlation. . Retrieved October 30, 2018 from www..com/releases/2018/10/181030091425.htm
American Society for Microbiology. “Showerhead bacteria and lung infections: Researchers find correlation.” . www..com/releases/2018/10/181030091425.htm (accessed October 30, 2018).
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