%0 Journal Article
%T Waterborne infections in haemato-oncology units - a narrative review.
%A Inkster T
%A Walker J
%A Weinbren M
%J J Hosp Infect
%V 138
%N 0
%D 2023 Aug 7
%M 37290689
%F 8.944
%R 10.1016/j.jhin.2023.05.011
%X Bone marrow transplant and haemato-oncology patients are at risk of healthcare-associated infections due to waterborne pathogens. We undertook a narrative review of waterborne outbreaks in haemato-oncology patients from 2000 to 2022. Databases searched included PubMed, DARE and CDSR, and were undertaken by two authors. We analysed the organisms implicated, sources identified and infection prevention and control strategies implemented. The most commonly implicated pathogens were Pseudomonas aeruginosa, non-tuberculous mycobacteria and Legionella pneumophila. Bloodstream infection was the most common clinical presentation. The majority of incidents employed multi-modal strategies to achieve control, addressing both the water source and routes of transmission. This review highlights the risk to haemato-oncology patients from waterborne pathogens and discusses future preventative strategies and the requirement for new UK guidance for haemato-oncology units.