Drains provide a moist, protected and nutrient-rich environment to micro-organisms. In hospital, sink drains can act as breeding grounds for multi-drug resistant (MDR) bacteria that could lead to outbreaks. Currently, there is currently no guideline to prevent the survival and growth of MDR in pipelines, leaving each hospital with the burden to implement corrective approaches without knowing their efficacy. Moreover, possible solutions are not always adapted to various infrastructures and specific pathogens encountered in different hospital buildings and may fail to resolve the issue. This project proposes a genomic-derived toolbox that enables better decision-making and risk assessment for tailoring sink drain management recommendations to each individual facility. Results from the decision tree and the risk assessment tools will be documented as best practices for sink drain management. It will be adaptable and designed to be included in a Water Safety Plan or an Infection Prevention Program already in place. The main benefit of this project is a reduction in patient colonization by MDR bacteria and hospital acquired infections. It will also result in financial savings and improved patient health.
User: Caroline Quach-Thanh (CHU Sainte-Justine)