PhD defence J. (Jannette) Pirzadian

Below is a brief summary about the dissertation:

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is one of the most common bacteria causing healthcare-associated infections in hospitals. Infections are serious and difficult to treat, since P. aeruginosa is resistant to certain antibiotic therapies. Moreover, P. aeruginosa may also be found in the hospital environment, mainly in wet areas such as sink drains, where it can form persistent reservoirs that are impossible to properly clean. This thesis focuses on antibiotic-resistant P. aeruginosa, first investigating how it has unknowingly spread within many hospitals across the Netherlands. This thesis then centers on the Erasmus MC to study P. aeruginosa survival in the hospital environment, its ability to avoid being killed by disinfectants, and potential transmission routes. Strategies are proposed for the safe handling of sinks, and changes to sink design are suggested in order to prevent splashing, thus limiting the amount of P. aeruginosa to end up on surfaces outside of the sink. By better understanding the behavior and success of antibiotic-resistant P. aeruginosa in the hospital environment, we can pave the way toward making safer patient spaces in hospitals.