SOURCES OF SLOW-GROWING PIGMENTED WATER BACTERIA

  • 1 January 1976
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 13  (1) , 5-10
Abstract
The group of organisms often labeled as slow-growing pigmented water bacteria may include various Xanthomonas, Cytophaga, Pseudomonas, Aeromonas and Flavobacterium spp. Due to their slow growth, this group is usually overlooked in the average clinical laboratory since the pigmented colonies are most easily noted on membrane filter pads or on surface streaked agar plates, but only after 5-15 days of incubation at room temperature. Although present at low levels in free-flowing domestic water supplies (< 1/ml), they can be easily isolated by swabbing sink faucets, drinking fountain heads, surgical scrub sink heads and aerators, dental chair spray units,and from the air water interface in humidifiers, nebulizers, water baths and reservoirs where the water may remain static for weeks. Although not considered primary pathogens, several strains were implicated in infections in nurseries and among patients in intensive care units. Contamination control in critical research and patient care areas demands scrupulous sanitation practices, regular cleaning and decontamination of all equipment, and the use of bacteria-free water whenever possible.

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