How Biofilm Affects Waterborne Pathogens
Biofilm is a collection of different types of bacteria, fungi, and protists in a colony enveloped in secreted slime that allows them to adhere to moist surfaces ideal for growth. Biofilm is one of the most common techniques for the growth and protection of these microorganisms and is not only a nuisance but a potential hazard. Bacterial resistance Bacteria in the biofilm can be up to a thousand times more resistant to typical disinfectants and antibiotics than the same microorganisms grown in suspension. Rapid recolonization Even if all free-floating bacteria are eliminated at a given time, biofilms allow for quick growth and recontamination of a surface or area if the associated biofilm is not treated. Rapid amplification Biofilm acts as an ideal breeding ground for the rapid amplification of bacteria and dangerous pathogens by providing ideal environments and nutrient deposits. Why testing matters Testing for biofilm in pipes and other water sources is one of the most important safety strategies that property owners can use. By performing regular evaluations, biofilm-forming bacteria colonies can be eradicated before they have an opportunity to turn into an outbreak of disease and infection. Because you can find potentially dangerous pathogens such as Legionella in biofilm, it is important to check for its presence regularly. Vigilance can help property owners and managers prevent biofilm formation and protect the health and safety of employees and the general public. Being prepared with a water management plan is crucial, especially if a test does discover biofilm in water lines. Information from:cdc.govhttps://www.corrosionpedia.com/definition/1649/biofilmhttp://www.rroij.com/
Giardia Explained and How to Prevent It
What is Giardia? Giardia lamblia is a common waterborne parasite that causes the diarrheal illness giardiasis. Humans most often come into contact with Giardia in water by swimming in contaminated pools. However, it can also be transmitted through other sources that have been exposed to stool from an infected person or animal. The water parasite Giardia infects living things by being swallowed or transmitted through blood. Trace amounts of this pathogen can even be found in tap water, so it is crucial to implement prevention and mitigation strategies for Giardia in your water supply. Understanding Giardiasis Giardiasis is the illness caused by ingesting Giardia in drinking water or another source. More than 15,000 cases of this disease are reported in the United States every year. Although the symptoms are analogous to the stomach flu, they can last longer —from two to six weeks, depending on the severity of the infection. People diagnosed with giardiasis typically report cramping, diarrhea, nausea, and other gastrointestinal ailments. Guarding against Giardia One of the most challenging things about protecting against Giardia is that the cysts can cause infection even at low concentrations within a water supply. This means it can require testing several gallons of water, and, even then, the cysts still may not be detected. In most cases, testing for thermotolerant E. Coli is recommended because if it is not present, there is a high probability that Giardia will not be present, either. This, combined with the cysts’ resistance to chlorine, means that prevention is the best strategy overall. Giardia water treatment is important because the parasite is highly resistant to chlorine and other common disinfectants used to treat water sources shared by large groups of people. Multiple safeguards are necessary to guard the public and employees from this danger when they’re on your property. LiquiTech is a leader in providing Giardia water tests and disinfection solutions that can be combined for near-total protection. With our LiquiTech™ Sediment Filtration System and LiquiTech™ UV Disinfection System technologies, property owners can enjoy the security of multiple lines of defense. Our self-cleaning filter system removes sediment and corrosion as well as biofilm deposits at the source. This means biological pathogens are deprived of the nutrients and environment they need to flourish. The Sediment Filtration System requires no consumables and works within seconds of installation. It provides a high-efficiency, low-waste barrier against infection. LiquiTech™ Sediment Filtration System can be coupled with our advanced UV Disinfection System to add an extra layer of security to your plumbing. Exposing water to high-intensity UV light damages the DNA and RNA of any bacteria, viruses, molds, or yeasts within it. These unwanted intruders will be rendered inert and unable to reproduce. The proprietary design of our lamps gives the most reliable and efficient performance possible. When our filter and UV systems are combined, they offer a superior level of protection against giardiasis and many other waterborne diseases.
How to Prevent Legionella and other Waterborne Bacterial Outbreaks in your Healthcare Facility
Hospital water distribution systems can experience contamination that is not accounted for by the water treatment system provided by the city, so extra precautions must be taken in the healthcare industry to prevent an outbreak of waterborne bacteria and pathogens. These dangerous bacterial microorganisms include Legionella, Mycobacteria, Pseudomonas, and Klebsiella. They pose a severe threat to the safety of medical facilities and can contribute to the unnecessary spread of disease in the form of hospital-acquired infections (HAIs). What does bacterial contamination mean for healthcare? According to the CDC, exposure to Legionella in a healthcare setting, such as hospitals and nursing homes, can be especially severe. Legionella can ubiquitously proliferate in water facilities, especially hot-water systems, contaminating all equipment that uses water. Legionnaires’ disease, obtained from inhaling aerosolized water infected with Legionella bacteria, is a prime example of a preventable hospital-acquired infection (HAI). Legionella in a healthcare setting would attack physically vulnerable individuals who already suffer from an underlying illness or a weakened immune system. Silver: the gold standard solution Healthcare and infection control professionals can preventatively address and reduce the risk of Legionella propagation in their facility by adopting a copper-silver ionization system. This system has been appraised as the gold standard and the most clinically effective prevention and remediation solution for Legionella and other waterborne pathogens. How does copper-silver ionization work? Scientists are now adding a silver coating to antibiotics because of its ability to maximize bacterial eradication. The subcellular structure of bacteria includes a wall that makes some bacteria impenetrable, aiding their survival against antibiotics. However, scientists have proven that adding a silver coating to antibiotics maximizes their eradication power, thus yielding a more potent antiseptic. This is due to silver nanoparticles’ antimicrobial properties, which are enhanced by an electric field. LiquiTech’s solution We disinfect water systems through copper-silver ionization, which penetrates through the wall of the bacteria, irreversibly damaging its key enzyme and inactivating all traces of the bacteria. This is achieved by applying an electric current across silver and copper-coated electrodes into the bacterial culture to produce nanoparticles that enhance antibiotic action at the anode. Systemically introducing these disinfectant ions in a facility water system, such as the plumbing infrastructure, inactivates Legionella and other harmful waterborne pathogens deeply embedded in the biofilm, thereby improving water quality. This method is non-corrosive and does not damage the distribution system. Comparatively, this method requires much less chemical use and maintenance than chlorine disinfection, which requires extensive dosage measurements. Copper-silver ionization also better protects the lids and pumps than ozone disinfection, which imposes a high voltage and requires comprehensive transportation and storage efforts. Moreover, unlike the other methods, the efficacy of copper-silver ionization is not dependent on water temperature, making it effective throughout an entire water system. Copper-silver ionization does not involve any disinfection byproducts. It has a longer-lasting local affectivity than most other disinfectants because it remains in the water for an extended period. Adopt a zero-tolerance policy for Legionella and other waterborne bacteria, and protect your patients, employees, and facility by preventing bacterial outbreaks in your facility water system. Be proactive about prevention by letting LiquiTech help you create a safe, secure, and clean environment accommodating your unique needs.
CDC Legionella Report Calls for Action
LiquiTech applauds CDC for its stand on water management plans and Legionella testing. Noting a 370% increase in Legionnaires’ disease outbreaks since 2000, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has called on building owners and property managers to monitor better and control the risks associated with their drinking and service water systems. “As a company that has specialized in Legionella prevention and remediation for more than a quarter century, we have witnessed firsthand the increase in Legionnaires’ disease across the country, leading to needless suffering and loss of life,” said Tory Schira, LiquiTech’s CEO. “We commend the CDC for making such a clear statement that water management planning, environmental testing, and control measures are needed to stop the scourge of a deadly disease.” Analyzing 27 CDC investigations of Legionnaires’ disease outbreaks, the CDC found that potable (drinking) water distribution systems were the most frequent source of exposure, at 56% of cases, followed by cooling towers (22%), hot tubs (7%), industrial equipment (4%) and a decorative fountain (one outbreak). Potable water sources accounted for two-thirds of healthcare-associated outbreaks. Forty-four percent of the outbreaks investigated by the CDC were at hotels and resorts, 19% at long-term-care facilities, and 15% at hospitals (the others were among senior living facilities, workplaces, and the community). “We are happy to see an acknowledgment that cooling towers are far from the only way people contract Legionnaires’–a common misconception,” Tory said. “Cooling towers were certainly the source of some serious outbreaks, including in New York City last year, but as we at LiquiTech have found over the course of many years, drinking water is the bigger threat to human health and demands action to protect people and organizations.” The CDC specifically endorsed the new ASHRAE 188 building code standards, which establish minimum requirements for managing the risk for Legionella growth and transmission in building water systems. Gaps in maintenance that could be addressed with a water management program to prevent Legionnaires’ disease outbreaks were described in 85% of 27 investigated outbreaks. In most outbreaks, inadequate water disinfectant levels and temperatures in the optimal range for Legionella growth were observed; implementing a functional water management program could address these deficiencies through routine monitoring of disinfectant levels and water temperature, the CDC found. The CDC released a new toolkit for building owners and managers, “Developing a Water Management Program to Reduce Legionella Growth & Spread in Buildings: A Practical Guide to Implementing Industry Standards.” Based on ASHRAE 188, the toolkit provides a checklist to help identify if a water management program is needed, examples to help identify where Legionella could grow and spread in a building, and ways to reduce the risk of Legionella contamination.Specifically, the CDC, for the first time, endorsed environmental testing for Legionella to validate the effectiveness of control measures and noted that such testing should be provided in any healthcare facility, as older and sicker people are most susceptible to contracting Legionnaires’ disease. “We have waited a long time for the CDC to recognize the need for testing the water,” Tory said. “You cannot effectively carry out a successful water management program if you don’t know the nature of your problem. What gets measured can get addressed.” All of the elements in the toolkit and ASHRAE 188 standards are addressed by LiquiTech’s complete water management solutions, Tory noted. The company employs a comprehensive approach to secure water systems against various waterborne pathogens. “We are ready to help any building owner or facilities manager meet the challenges laid down by the CDC and ASHRAE,” he said.
Legionnaires in Long-Term Care Facilities
In the summer of 2013, the Wesley Ridge Retirement Community in Reynoldsburg, Ohio, experienced the largest and deadliest Legionnaires disease outbreak in state history. The assisted- and independent-living facility saw six people die and another 33 become seriously ill. The victims ranged in age from 63 to 99 and included residents, visitors, and one employee. For most people, Legionnaires’ disease is something from the history books, a vague memory of Philadelphia conventioneers falling ill in the 1970s. In fact, outbreaks of this often-fatal form of pneumonia, including in long-term care facilities, have been increasing for several years in the United States. In just the past three years, nursing home and senior living outbreaks have occurred in Baltimore; Pittsburgh; Cleveland; Clearwater, Florida; Jacksonville, Florida; and Florence, Alaska. The worst outbreak in a long-term care facility in North America occurred in 2005 at the Seven Oaks Home for the Aged in Toronto, Ontario, where 23 residents died and 112 others fell ill. A little background Legionnaires’ disease—clinically known as Legionellosis—is a form of pneumonia caused by waterborne bacteria of the genus Legionella. It carries a mortality rate of 40 percent when acquired in hospitals. More than 50 species and subspecies of Legionella exist, several of which can infect people. By far, the most common is Legionella pneumonia serogroup 1. The bacteria are ubiquitous and usually harmless in the environment, but they can quickly grow in warm, stagnant water. In certain circumstances, especially in institutions housing the elderly or in those with chronic illnesses, Legionella can multiply and cause pneumonia when people aspirate tiny particles while drinking water or showering. Since 2001, CDC surveillance reports have stated that Legionella is the single most reported pathogen associated with drinking water outbreaks in the United States. Voluntarily reported cases of Legionnaires’ disease tripled from 2000 to 2009 to 3,522 annually. This amount, however, is now known to be a vast underestimate, and some estimates of incidence exceed 10,000 cases per year. As many as 70 percent of all water systems in buildings over three stories are contaminated with Legionella. Because it takes specialized laboratory testing to diagnose it, the disease is severely underdiagnosed in long-term care facilities. Particular concerns for senior living The increase in cases of Legionnaires’ disease is of particular concern for owners and managers of long-term care facilities. Although anyone can become infected under certain circumstances, Legionnaires’ disease principally affects those susceptible due to age, illness, or compromised immune systems. Outbreaks usually are followed by lengthy, costly litigation. The aforementioned Toronto outbreak, for instance, resulted in a $600 million class action lawsuit. Under the right circumstances—detectable contamination of the water source, the correct species of Legionella, a susceptible individual, and sufficient intensity of exposure—victims of Legionnaires’ disease can quickly establish the basis for a valid claim, according to Russell Nassof, JD, founder of RiskNomics, a Scottsdale, Ariz.-based risk management assessment firm and an expert in Legionella litigation. Negligence can be alleged if a responsible party “knew or should have known” that a problem existed with the water and failed to maintain and clean up the system, resulting in punitive damages, Nassof says. The need to act will likely be a part of building codes. In mid-May, ASHRAE (formerly the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers) announced the impending fourth public review of a draft of ASHRAE Standard 188P, Legionellosis: Risk Management for Building Water Systems. The organization says 188P would be the first set of standardized requirements specific to the building industry for managing the risks associated with amplified growth and exposure to Legionella. The latest draft, expected to be approved and made available this summer, will recommend that nursing home facility managers implement more robust safeguards through risk assessment and management practices. ASHRAE is not indicating when it will finalize the standard but finalized ASHRAE standards are the basis for many municipal building codes. Central to the process that the standard may require will be assembling a team to be responsible and accountable for building water system safety. This team will conduct a complete survey of potential problems in the water system, such as dead legs where water has sat for an extended period. If significant risk factors exist, the team will need to prepare a plan that identifies and establishes control measures at critical points, verifies that the control measures are implemented within specific performance limits, and validates that the program effectively prevents Legionnaires’ disease. Read the full article.
Cryptosporidium Explained and How To Keep It Out of Your Facility
What is Cryptosporidium? Cryptosporidium, also known as “Crypto,” is a bacteria found in water systems that are the cause of cryptosporidiosis as well as several other ailments. It is resistant to chlorine, so that it can survive for days, even in properly chlorinated pools. It is most commonly ingested by swallowing contaminated water while swimming, but practically any type of water or sewage system can become a breeding ground for this pathogen. Understanding Cryptosporidiosis Ingesting cryptosporidium in water can cause cryptosporidiosis, a potentially severe illness with more than 748,000 reported cases in the United States annually. This infection causes various gastrointestinal symptoms that are uncomfortable at best and require hospitalization at worst. The symptoms include diarrhea, stomach cramps, abdominal pain, vomiting, fever, weight loss, and dehydration. Protecting against Crypto in water Given how resistant cryptosporidium bacteria is to chlorine and other common sanitation techniques, it is crucial to have the proper water treatment measures in place. If you are concerned about cryptosporidium in water, your treatment plan should include a combination of safeguards. LiquiTech’s services can be integrated to create one of the best mitigation strategies available. The combination of our LiquiTech™ Sediment Filtration System and LiquiTech™ UV Disinfection System technologies provides a comprehensive approach to eliminating cryptosporidium in drinking water and other sources. Our Sediment Filtration System improves water quality by removing sediment, corrosion, and biofilm deposits at the source. The three-step cleaning method eliminates most nutrients and bacterial buildup required for biological growth inside pipes, filters, and vessels. The entire process is completed in seconds and requires no consumables. The system operates on water pressure, with no additional energy required. It is a high-efficiency, low-waste treatment strategy. Adding our advanced UV Disinfection System to your water treatment plan offers extra protection to any property. By exposing water to high-intensity UV light before it enters the plumbing, microorganisms are essentially deactivated. The wavelength of radiation emitted by our lamps damages the DNA and RNA of bacteria, viruses, molds, and yeasts, making them incapable of reproduction. With our proprietary lamp design, you can count on reliable and effective service and give staff and guests peace of mind while keeping them safe from cryptosporidium and many other dangerous waterborne pathogens.
Matagorda Regional Medical Center: a Clean Water Pioneer in Healthcare
Public water systems traveling into large facilities are living biological ecosystems that harbor and distribute potentially harmful, naturally occurring bacteria such as Pseudomonas, Mycobacterium, and Legionella. Nationally, our drinking water infrastructure is in need of a $1 trillion overhaul, a daunting problem for stakeholders that lack the will to address it. Due to this, there’s a significant and under-appreciated need for decentralized water solutions. A study from Tufts University estimated that several classes of preventable waterborne pathogens contribute to $2 billion annually in Medicare payments and over 80,000 avoidable infections. Water is the source of as much as 30% of hospital-acquired infections. Matagorda Regional Medical Center is a pioneer in the healthcare sector in the small, quaint, rural town of Bay City, Texas. They partnered with us (LiquiTech) to provide their patients with quality water and maintain that water quality. Our comprehensive water safety programs can save the average 300-bed hospital $600,000 (5% hospital-acquired infection reduction conservatively) up to $3,600,000 (30% hospital-acquired infection reduction) in medical treatment costs annually. This does not include the additional benefits from liability reduction, CMS compliance, quality of care improvement benefits, productivity improvements, and brand equity protection. Matagorda has implemented LiquiTech’s self-cleaning filter, UV disinfection, and copper-silver ionization. We also support Matagorda with service operations, water testing, a CMS-compliant Water Management Plan, patented water monitoring technology, and analytics. By providing a safer care environment, Matagorda can tout that they have the safest, cleanest water in Texas.
Mycobacteria Explained
What is Mycobacteria? Mycobacteria is a bacteria found in water systems that cause Nontuberculous Mycobacteria (NTM) disease and ailments. It proliferates rapidly in warm water environments and poses a threat when exposed to humans. This pathogen can enter the body in many ways, by ingesting contaminated water, breathing in the bacteria, or allowing it to come into contact with broken skin. Many outbreaks have been traced to mycobacteria in water supplies in public swimming areas. What is Nontuberculous Mycobacteria disease? The disease caused by a mycobacteria infection can take many forms, depending on the strain. The most common symptoms include ear infections, blood infections, and pulmonary issues, which can become chronic and require ongoing treatment in some cases. Treatment typically involves a regimen of antibiotics or even surgery if subcutaneous lesions develop. Guarding against mycobacteria in tap water and other resources is extremely important. Preventing Mycobacteria outbreaks Chlorine treatments and other traditional disinfectants are relatively ineffective against this pathogen because of its natural resistance. It is critical that water sources shared by large groups of people be treated appropriately. A multipronged strategy centered around proven technologies is the safest way to guard the public and employees against mycobacteria. We provide multiple solutions that can be combined to provide the highest levels of protection. Our LiquiTech™ Sediment Filtration System and LiquiTech™ UV Disinfection System form a tight defense. When our Sediment Filtration System self-cleaning filter system works to remove biofilm deposits at the sour, it prevents harmful Mycobacterium from receiving the nutrients they need to flourish. Because this system requires no consumables and can be functional within seconds of installation, it offers a high-efficiency, low-waste treatment option for your water. When our Sediment Filtration System is combined with our advanced UV Disinfection System, the protection it provides becomes even stronger. The high-intensity light generated by UV lamps damages the DNA and RNA of bacteria, molds, yeasts, and viruses, rendering them inert and unable to reproduce. Our proprietary designs ensure that these lamps operate at the maximum levels of efficiency and reliability. Join this technology with our state-of-the-art filtration to achieve an exceptional level of security. To ensure that you keep people safe, combine these LiquiTech systems with regular testing of the water for Mycobacterium.
Pseudomonas in Drinking Water
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a highly adaptable, aerobic, and motile bacterium that belongs to the family Pseudomonadaceae. It is a gram-negative, rod-shaped organism that is surrounded by a protective slime layer known as biofilm, which helps it to survive in a wide range of environments. It is often found in soil, water, plumbing systems, and other moist environments, and can be particularly dangerous for individuals with weakened immune systems. The presence of Pseudomonas in water can result in infection in a variety of situations, including hospitals where it may be spread by healthcare workers washing their hands or equipment with contaminated tap water. It could also be present in drinking water dispensers, swimming pool equipment, and water filters. Health impact of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in drinking water Pseudomonas aeruginosa is known for its ability to cause a variety of infections in humans, particularly in individuals with weakened immune systems or underlying health conditions. Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections can range from mild to severe, depending on the type and site of infection, and can lead to serious complications if not treated promptly. Some of the common infections caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa include urinary tract infections, pneumonia, wound infections, and bloodstream infections. Additionally, this bacterium is also known to infect individuals with cystic fibrosis, a genetic disorder that affects the lungs and digestive system. In such cases, Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections can cause chronic lung infections and lead to respiratory failure. Children are also at risk of developing ear infections after exposure to water systems contaminated with Pseudomonas bacteria. This can be especially problematic for young children who may not be able to communicate their symptoms effectively. Treatment of Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections depends on the type and severity of infection, and may involve the use of antibiotics, antifungal agents, or other antimicrobial drugs. However, due to the bacterium’s ability to develop resistance to antibiotics, treatment can be challenging and may require a combination of different therapies. The resistance of Pseudomonas aeruginosa to antibiotics is a significant concern in the medical community, as this makes it difficult to treat infections caused by this pathogen. The bacterium produces a biofilm, which can protect it from the effects of antibiotics and other antimicrobial agents. Techniques to manage the growth of Pseudomonas in drinking water To effectively assess the risk of Pseudomonas contamination in your facility’s water system, it is essential to have a thorough protocol for testing Pseudomonas in water, followed by an effective mitigation strategy. The LiquiTech™ Copper-Silver Ionization System technology is one of the most effective Pseudomonas water treatment solutions available. This system works by injecting positively charged copper and silver ions directly into the water system. These ions form electrostatic bonds with negatively charged sites on the cell walls of microorganisms, making it impossible for them to absorb the nutrients they need from nutrient sources. By halting bacteria’s ability to take in nutrients from biofilm, ionization effectively kills it quickly. One of the many advantages of this technique for eliminating Pseudomonas aeruginosa in drinking water is that it does not involve harsh chemicals or create harmful byproducts. This makes it a safe and eco-friendly option. Additionally, it is gentle on pipes and does not cause corrosion, which is often a concern with other water treatment methods. Another benefit of the LiquiTech™ Copper-Silver Ionization System is that it does not rely on water temperature to work. This means that it can be used throughout a facility without losing its effectiveness, regardless of the temperature of the water. Overall, the LiquiTech™ Copper-Silver Ionization System is a reliable, effective, and safe solution for eliminating Pseudomonas aeruginosa in drinking water.
Common Types of Waterborne Pathogens
Water from municipal water systems is often contaminated with small amounts of bacteria, parasites, fungi, and other organisms that escaped disinfection methods. The low amounts of these organisms generally do not cause disease but can pose a threat in complex or multi-story plumbing systems due to various factors. Common causes of waterborne pathogens Waterborne pathogens in building water systems can be caused by a variety of sources, including: Common types of waterborne pathogens There are many different types of waterborne pathogens living in building plumbing systems. The most common include: Legionella Legionella, the bacteria that causes Legionnaires’ disease, occurs naturally in freshwater. The low amounts of Legionella in freshwater systems generally do not lead to disease. However, Legionella can pose a health risk if it gets into building water systems. Once there, Legionella will grow and spread throughout the plumbing, heating, cooling, and other water-using systems. Eventually, it will be released into the environment through tiny water droplets that people can breathe in, potentially causing Legionnaires’ disease. Once one person contracts it, it has the potential to spread to others, causing an outbreak. Pseudomonas Pseudomonas is a type of bacteria found in soil, water, and other moist environments. It has been identified as a cause of many illnesses in humans, animals and plants. Some species of Pseudomonas are beneficial to agriculture as plant pathogens or as symbionts of legumes, while some can cause serious infections in hospitals and is associated with many diseases, including pneumonia, urinary tract infections, sepsis, and blood infections. It is commonly spread through direct contact with contaminated water, like hand washing or showering, but it can also be contracted from drinking water dispensers, swimming pool equipment, and water filters. The bacteria are capable of producing toxins or antibiotics that can kill other bacteria and produce pigments such as pyoverdin or pyocyanin. Treatment for Pseudomonas infections usually includes antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin or gentamicin applied topically or systemically depending on the type of infection. Acinetobacter Acinetobacter is a genus of Gram-negative bacteria that can be found widely in the environment. It is known to inhabit soil, water, and plants, as well as to exist in the human microbiota. Many Acinetobacter species are opportunistic pathogens, meaning they cause infection under certain conditions. This bacterium has been associated with infections in humans such as pneumonia and skin infections. It is also found in healthcare settings and can cause nosocomial infections or hospital-acquired infections. Acinetobacter is a non-spore-forming bacteria and is often resistant to many antibiotics, making it difficult to treat when symptoms arise. Mycobacteria Mycobacteria is a group of bacteria known for their hard outer shells, which makes them resistant to many types of antibiotics. They can exist in both soil and water, grow rapidly in warm water environments, and are common in building water systems. Mycobacterium tuberculosis is the most well-known species of this group and causes Nontuberculous Mycobacteria, a serious condition that can be chronic and require long-term treatment. Mycobacteria can enter the body by drinking contaminated water, breathing in the bacteria, or allowing it to come into contact with broken skin. Although other mycobacteria are not as deadly as M. tuberculosis, they are still very dangerous and capable of causing a variety of diseases including pulmonary infections, skin diseases, and lymph node diseases. Some species even produce toxins that can lead to food poisoning in humans. Burkholderia Burkholderia is a genus of bacteria which can be found in various environments. They are usually associated with moist soil and water, making them an important component of the environment. Many members of this genus have also been identified as opportunistic pathogens, meaning they can cause disease in humans. Some species are known to cause a variety of medical conditions, from urinary tract infections to life-threatening meningitis. However, many members of the Burkholderia genus are not considered pathogenic and offer beneficial properties such as aiding in the decomposition of organic matter or producing antibiotics. Stenotrophomonas Stenotrophomonas is a genus of Gram-negative, rod-shaped bacteria. It is found in many habitats, including soil and water, and can be an opportunistic pathogen in humans. Stenotrophomonas species are often resistant to many antibiotics, making them difficult to treat when they cause infection. Stenotrophomonas causes various illnesses, including pulmonary infections, urinary tract infections, and meningitis. It is most commonly contracted in hospitals when patients are exposed to improperly sterilized equipment like catheters, breathing tubes, and IV lines. In rare cases, it is contracted from bathing or showering. They have also been shown to produce various compounds that can be used to combat other bacteria or fungi, making them attractive candidates for bioremediation projects. Stenotrophomonas has a wide range of metabolic capabilities, allowing it to thrive in a variety of environments. Cryptosporidium Cryptosporidium is a genus of protozoan parasites that can infect humans and other animals. It is an important cause of waterborne disease in humans, as the parasite is resistant to chlorine-based disinfection methods used to treat drinking water. The severity of infection depends on the species, strain, and number of parasites present in a person’s body. Symptoms can range from mild diarrhea to more severe conditions such as fever, abdominal cramps, dehydration, nausea, and vomiting. Treatment options are limited but may include antibiotics or nitazoxanide. To prevent cryptosporidiosis, it is important to practice good hygiene such as washing hands after contact with animals or contaminated water sources. Giardia Giardia is a common water-borne pathogen linked to causing gastroenteritis in humans. It is also referred to as “beaver fever” due to the fact that it tends to reproduce and thrive in areas populated by beavers and other wildlife. The parasite has an outer shell, which makes it highly resistant to chlorine-based disinfectants used in public water supplies. Giardia poses serious risks for both humans and animals; if left untreated, severe cases can result in death. Symptoms of infection include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Treatment typically involves antibiotic medications or antiprotozoal drugs. Treating and preventing all types of waterborne pathogens Depending on
