National: Study uncovers antibiotic-resistant bacteria in wastewater system of major Irish hospital

A GROUP of scientists from University of Limerick (UL), in partnership with University Hospital Limerick and Queen's University Belfast, have discovered antibiotic-resistant bacteria in University Hospital Limerick's (UHL) wastewater system.

This completed research is the first extensive look at hospital wastewater and its possible role in causing infections.

This study, recently shared in the Journal of Hospital Infection, deals with the global problem of antibiotic resistance, which affects millions of people every year. Hospital-acquired infections are said to be a major concern in this context, where patients admitted for treatment become susceptible to infections circulating in the hospital wards.

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The study's unique method involved examining the genetic material and tiny organisms in the wastewater system at UHL. Researchers studied samples from 20 sinks, showers, and toilets in a ward where antibiotic-resistant infections had occurred in the past.

This UL-led research became possible during a ward renovation, allowing scientists to inspect different parts of the interconnected plumbing system.

By also processing samples from patients who were infected while admitted to the hospital ward, it was possible to confirm that the bacteria that infected them were very likely present in the wastewater system.

Professor Colum Dunne, the Head of UL's School of Medicine and leader of the study, stressed the significance of the research, saying: "We all know that antibiotic resistance is a big problem in hospitals. However, this study is the first of its kind to examine hospital wastewater in this way and link it to infection outbreaks.

"We're grateful for the support of hospital management and engineering in helping us understand the microbes in their water systems. This unique study will lead to better ways of preventing and controlling infections, benefitting patients everywhere."

Dr Nuala O'Connell, one of the study's co-authors, emphasised how important these findings are: "This research helps us understand how sinks, shower drains, and toilets can hold antibiotic-resistant bacteria. If we can improve how we control infections in these areas, we might reduce the number of infections that are hard to treat."

The collaboration between UL's medical experts and Queen's University Belfast's advanced scientists played a crucial role in the study's success. Dr Stephen Kelly, one of the co-authors from Queen's University Belfast, added: "This study shows the benefits of teamwork among doctors, scientists, and computer experts, working together to help patients stay healthy."

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The complete study, 'Large-scale characterisation of hospital wastewater system microbiomes and clinical isolates from infected patients: profiling of multidrug-resistant microbial species,' can be found online in the Journal of Hospital Infection.