Monitoring the bacteriological quality of potable waters in hospital.

We report a survey of the bacteriological quality of potable waters from hospitals. In the 12-month period February 1986 to January 1987, 646 samples were examined from 25 hospitals. Coliforms were isolated from eight (1.2%) samples, received from three hospitals. These hospitals did not, therefore, satisfy the European Community (EC) directive on potable water quality. Three hundred and four (47%) samples had total viable counts higher than the guidelines given in the EC directive on potable waters. Thirteen (52%) of hospitals surveyed submitted at least one unsatisfactory sample and six (24%) submitted more than 50% unsatisfactory samples. Water quality was generally poorer in the summer and autumn. Estimation of the total viable count is an inexpensive and simple method for monitoring the microbial quality of hospital waters.

Enteric pathogens in tropical aquaria.

A total of 100 tropical aquaria from six pet shops were sampled for the presence of Salmonella, Campylobacter and Aeromonas species. Eight fish tanks contained unusual serotypes of salmonella. None had been used to house terrapins. One hundred and three isolates of Aeromonas species were obtained from 98 tanks. One tank contained Plesiomonas shigelloides. No Campylobacter species were isolated. It is suggested that a tropical aquarium may constitute an infection hazard.

The bacteriological quality of bottled natural mineral waters.

Fifty-eight bottles of natural mineral water, taken from the point of sale, were bacteriologically examined. No coliforms or Aeromonas sp. were isolated from any sample. High total bacterial counts were found particularly in the still waters. Most of the organisms isolated in the total counts were Gram-negative rods, but Gram-positive organisms were also isolated. Gram-positive cocci were further identified, some of which were known human commensals suggesting contamination of the waters prior to bottling.

Legionella pneumophila in a hospital water system following a nosocomial outbreak: prevalence, monoclonal antibody subgrouping and effect of control measures.

Swabs and water samples from a hospital water system were cultured for legionellae over an extended period. Legionella pneumophila serogroup 1, including outbreak associated strains, were isolated in small numbers from approximately 5% of these samples despite implementation of the current DHSS/Welsh Office regulations. No cases of nosocomial legionnaires' disease were proven during the study. Physical cleaning and chemical sterilization of taps, and replacement of washers with 'approved' brands did not eradicate the organisms. Eradication of legionellae in hospital water supplies appears to be unnecessary in preventing nosocomial legionnaires' disease provided the current DHSS/Welsh Office recommendations are implemented.

Bacteriological quality of drinks from vending machines.

A survey on the bacteriological quality of both drinking water and flavoured drinks from coin-operated vending machines is reported. Forty-four per cent of 25 drinking water samples examined contained coliforms and 84% had viable counts of greater than 1000 organisms ml at 30 degrees C. Thirty-one flavoured drinks were examined; 6% contained coliforms and 39% had total counts greater than 1000 organisms ml. It is suggested that the D.H.S.S. code of practice on coin-operated vending machines is not being followed. It is also suggested that drinking water alone should not be dispensed from such machines.