Summary
- Elizabethkingia spp. are bacteria that can cause serious infections, particularly in neonates, and have been implicated in fatal outbreaks.
- Studies have shown that these bacteria can persist in water supplies and plumbing fixtures even after cleaning with disinfectants.
- Experiments conducted at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention showed that Elizabethkingia strains were rapidly inactivated by chlorine at typical concentrations.
- Despite this, some strains of Elizabethkingia were able to survive and potentially form biofilms in plumbing fixtures, leading to potential recontamination.
- To prevent infections from opportunistic biofilm pathogens like Elizabethkingia, it is important to limit the environments where biofilms can form and reduce exposure to contaminated water sources.
A recent study conducted by researchers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, Georgia, USA, sheds light on the effectiveness of chlorine in disinfecting water contaminated with a stubborn bacteria called Elizabethkingia.
Elizabethkingia is a type of bacteria that can cause serious infections like sepsis and meningitis, especially in vulnerable populations like newborns. It is known to thrive in water sources, particularly in plumbing fixtures where biofilms can form, making it challenging to eradicate.
In the study, researchers tested the effectiveness of chlorine in killing two species of Elizabethkingia found in clinical and environmental samples. They found that a low concentration of chlorine (0.2 mg/L) was able to inactivate 99.9% of the bacteria within a short contact time.
Contrary to previous beliefs, the study revealed that Elizabethkingia is actually quite susceptible to chlorine disinfection at typical concentrations found in water supplies. However, some bacterial cells were still able to survive after one minute of exposure, especially in environmental strains. These persistent cells could potentially contribute to the formation of biofilms in plumbing fixtures, allowing the bacteria to regrow and cause infections.
The findings suggest that while chlorine disinfection can effectively reduce Elizabethkingia contamination in water supplies, it may not completely eliminate all bacteria, especially those embedded in biofilms. This highlights the importance of implementing water management programs to prevent the growth and transmission of opportunistic pathogens like Elizabethkingia.
Dr. Holcomb, a microbiologist involved in the study, emphasized the need to understand the environmental transmission and control of antimicrobial-resistant pathogens like Elizabethkingia. By limiting the formation of biofilms and reducing exposure to contaminated water sources, the risk of infections can be significantly reduced.
In conclusion, the study demonstrates the importance of proper disinfection methods in preventing the spread of bacteria in water supplies. While chlorine can effectively kill Elizabethkingia, the presence of persistent cells highlights the need for ongoing vigilance and maintenance of water systems to protect public health. By staying informed and taking proactive measures to minimize bacterial contamination, we can ensure the safety of our water sources and prevent potential health risks.
Infectious Diseases, Public Health & Prevention