Grant: Collaborative Health Research Projects (NSERC partnered)

Microbes are becoming more and more resistant to antibiotics and are often found in sinks and plumbing in hospitals. Recently, there has been an increase in the number of infections caused by these organisms. Sinks and plumbing seem to play a role in multiplication and transmission of these organisms, partly due to water-saving technologies. We intend to reduce patient exposure and risk of infection associated with organisms found in sinks through improved engineering measures, design and risk management. Critical priority pathogens listed by the World Health Organization in the Global Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance will be targeted in this study (Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia and Enterobacteriaceae - Serratia marcescens). Different technologies and approaches will be applied in neonatal intensive care unit rooms to prevent colonization and dispersion of these organisms to patient: self-cleaning drains, point-of-use devices and chemical disinfection procedures of the drain and sink. Our results will help pave the way for safer hospitals through optimal engineering design. As we are partnering with people who make recommendations and build hospitals, our results will improve hospital designs.