Re-engineering of the hospital sink environment to reduce transmission of multi-drug resistant opportunistic pathogens

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Microbes are becoming more and more resistant to antibiotics and are often found in sinksand plumbing in hospitals. Recently, there has been an increase in the number of infectionscaused by these organisms. Sinks and plumbing seem to play a role in multiplication andtransmission of these organisms, partly due to water-saving technologies. We intend toreduce patient exposure and risk of infection associated with organisms found in sinksthrough improved engineering measures, design and risk management. Critical prioritypathogens listed by the World Health Organization in the Global Action Plan on AntimicrobialResistance will be targeted in this study (Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Stenotrophomonasmaltophilia and Enterobacteriaceae - Serratia marcescens). Different technologies andapproaches will be applied in neonatal intensive care unit rooms to prevent colonization anddispersion of these organisms to patient: self-cleaning drains, point-of-use devices andchemical disinfection procedures of the drain and sink. Our results will help pave the way forsafer hospitals through optimal engineering design. As we are partnering with people whomake recommendations and build hospitals, our results will improve hospital designs.