Continued transmission of Pseudomonas aeruginosa from a wash hand basin tap in a critical care unit

Summary Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an important nosocomial pathogen commonly colonising hospital water supplies including taps and sinks. Here we report a cluster of P. aeruginosa acquisitions over 5-months from tap water to patients occupying the same burns single room in a critical care unit. P. aeruginosa cultured from clinical isolates from four different patients was indistinguishable to water strains by PFGE. Water outlets in critical care can be a source of P. aeruginosa despite following the national guidance, and updated guidance and improved control measures are needed to reduce the risks of transmission to patients.