Combating pathogens from biofilms in premise plumbing systems (2025-2028)
Abstract
Health care facilities can be susceptible localities for disease outbreaks from harmful pathogens, where the problem source is attributed to biofilms persistent in the premise plumbing. These pathogens, such as Legionella, cause significant disease with high mortality rates (up to 50%) and high hospital inpatient costs, estimated at $600 million AUD/year in the US alone. The project aims to improve the understanding of harmful pathogens in biofilms persistent in plumbing systems and to develop efficient water treatments that reduce their incidence in the biofilms. The project will bring significant environmental and economic benefits to Australia by removing potentially harmful reservoirs of pathogens from in situ water supplies.
