Microbial risks in drinking water systems: persistence and public health implications of opportunistic premise plumbing pathogens.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

The persistence of opportunistic premise plumbing pathogens (OPPPs) in drinking water plumbing systems poses a significant public health risk that is receiving increasing attention yet remains poorly understood. This study investigated the co-occurrence of OPPPs and the influence of building infrastructure properties on their prevalence.

Methods

Drinking water and biofilm samples were collected from hospitals and private residences across Australia to investigate the abiotic and biotic factors contributing to the growth and proliferation of OPPPs.

Results

Quantitative polymerase chain reaction assays revealed that 41% of samples tested positive for Pseudomonas aeruginosa, 26% for Staphylococcus aureus, 26% for Legionella spp., 24% for

SUBMITTER: Hayward C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12095195 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature