The hospital sink drain microbiome as a melting pot for AMR transmission to nosocomial pathogens

2025/07/29 by Gregory E. McCallum, James P. J. Hall · 1 voice · 9 citations
Environmental Science · Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology · Medicine · #Bacteriophages and microbial interactions #Antibiotic Resistance in Bacteria #SARS-CoV-2 detection and testing

paper · pdf · doi:10.1038/s44259-025-00137-9

Abstract

The hospital sink drain microbiome can harbour opportunistic pathogens and antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs). Aspects of this habitat, such as exposure to disinfectants, antibiotics, nutrients, and body fluids could exacerbate horizontal gene transfer of ARGs and clinically impactful pathogen resistance. Here, we explore features of the hospital sink drain that may favour ARG acquisition and transmission, highlight studies providing evidence of transfer, and consider strategies to mitigate these risks.

Cited by

• Carbapenemases: epidemiology, detection and management in a changing global landscape
• Presence of Microorganisms in the Environment: One Health Approach. [europepmc]
• Are hospital environments an underestimated source for Gram-negative infections in critically ill patients? A non-multi-drug-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae outbreak in an Irish intensive care unit. [europepmc]
• Stewarding the hospital sink drain: a narrative review of practical approaches for controlling gram negative pathogens in low- and middle-income countries. [europepmc]
• Bacteriophage Therapy: Current Strategies and Future Perspectives. [europepmc]
• Acinetobacter spp. with lower susceptibility to quaternary ammonium compounds enriched in microbial communities of frequently used sinks. [europepmc]
• Between the Sponge and the Tap-Bacterial Communities at Overlooked Hospital Hygiene Hotspots. [europepmc]
• Advancements in Technologies Targeting Horizontal Gene TransferRoutes to Control Drug Resistance Evolution. [europepmc]
• Carbapenemases: epidemiology, detection and management in a changing global landscape [europepmc]

Discussions

• Delighted to have this review out with @jpjhall.bsky.social! We discuss the risk of transmission of antimicrobial resistance in the hospital sink drain microbiome, highlight studies providing evidenc [bsky, 51 points, 2 comments]

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