A study, published in the Journal of Hospital Infection, investigated the transfer of Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria from a contaminated cleaning-cloth to tap outlet fittings. The study also examines whether the contamination persists and leads to contamination of tap water.
For the study, researchers used microfiber cloths contaminated with P. aeruginosa to wipe four different types of tap outlets. One of the outlet fittings had a conventional design, while the other three were marketed as "antimicrobial" and/or "anti-biofilm." The fittings were then inserted into an experimental water distribution system for up to 24 hours.
The study showed the contaminated cloths did transfer P. aeruginosa to the tap outlets. All water samples delivered immediately after outlet contamination contained P. aeruginosa. Additionally, water samples from the conventionally designed outlet remained contaminated despite continued flushing, while water delivered from the "antimicrobial" outlet did not contain P. aeruginosa beyond the first flush.
A recent study published in Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology links a 2013-2014 P. aeruginosa outbreak in a hospital neonatal intensive care unit to contaminated tap water. Thirty-one babies were infected in the outbreak, and an investigation found the cases were "associated with absence of point-of-use filters on faucets in patient rooms," according to the study.