Nontuberculous mycobacterium in hospital water supply system. Mycobacterium

Building water supply system in healthcare facilities could be a reservoir for healthcare-associated pathogens, such as nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM). Chlorine-resistant NTM are persistent and have the potential to regrow in the premise plumbing and point of use (such as showerheads and taps, etc.) in hospital environment, in part because the suitable water temperature and complex water use structure of hospital water systems. The waterborne outbreaks can pose serious threat to the population in hospital buildings who are mostly the immunologically vulnerable people. Therefore, the surveillance of NTM and prevention measures are necessary in hospital water supply system.