Nontuberculous Mycobacteria in Household Plumbing
Author Information
Author(s): Joseph O. Falkinham III
Primary Institution: Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Hypothesis
Could household plumbing be a source of nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) infection?
Conclusion
The study found that household plumbing can harbor nontuberculous mycobacteria, which may be a source of infection for patients.
Supporting Evidence
- 59% of households sampled had NTM.
- 46% of households had NTM of the same species as the patient.
- Households with water heater temperatures <125°F were more likely to have NTM.
Takeaway
This study shows that the water in our homes can have germs that might make us sick, especially if the water isn't hot enough.
Methodology
The study isolated NTM from household water systems of patients and analyzed the samples for DNA fingerprinting.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to low recovery rates of NTM in previous studies and limited sample collection.
Limitations
The study had a small sample size and could not obtain isolates from 11 patients.
Participant Demographics
Patients with nontuberculous mycobacteria disease from various states in the USA and Ontario, Canada.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.0107
Statistical Significance
p = 0.0107
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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