Bacteria, fungi and protozoa in the water supply can be pathogenic. Common bacterial pathogens include Legionella species, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and some mycobacteria. Some water-borne protozoa such as the spore-forming Cryptosporidium are also pathogenic1 and some non-pathogenic protozoa support the growth of bacterial pathogens such as Legionella species.
Many water-borne microorganisms are "opportunistic pathogens" that would not cause serious disease in healthy individuals, but can establish infections in susceptible people. Hospital water supplies are also frequently contaminated with pathogens. In one study, almost half of the water outlets in transplant units were found to be contaminated with Legionella species. Hot and cold water supplies were tested in sixty-nine of the eighty-one transplant units in the UK.
The Membrane Solutions’ Water Filter can be attached to water taps and shower heads to remove inadvertent microbial contamination from water.
Containing 0.2 µm Posidyne® membrane, the Membrane Solutions-Aquasafe Water Filter can prevent the passage of bacteria and is effective in preventing bacterial breakthrough and reducing endotoxin levels. This membrane is incorporated in other filters from Membrane Solutions Corporation for use in the pharmaceutical industry, where it has met the standards for sterilizing filtration of parenteral solutions.
Contamination of the water supply with potentially pathogenic organisms is common. Hospital water supplies are also frequently contaminated with pathogens.
There is a higher risk of infection due to waterborne organisms for certain patient groups. Contamination of medical instruments with waterborne microbes is a potential route of infection.
There is a risk of false diagnosis from samples collected by medical instruments contaminated with waterborne organisms.
Normal methods of water treatment may not effectively remove pathogens from the water supply.