The drainome: longitudinal metagenomic characterization of wastewater from hospital ward sinks to characterize the microbiome and resistome and to assess the effects of decontamination interventions.

Background: Hospital drains and water interfaces are implicated in nosocomial transmission of pathogens. Metagenomics can assess the microbial composition and presence of antimicrobial resistance genes in drains ('the drainome') but studies applying these methods longitudinally and to assess infection control interventions are lacking.

Aim: To apply long-read metagenomics coupled with microbiological measurements to investigate the drainome and assess the effects of a peracetic-acid-containing decontamination product.

Use of a peracetic acid (PAA) disinfectant to reduce total viable bacteria count in hospital wastewater drains.

The periphery of the hospital water system interfaces at multiple points with patients and staff in clinical areas. This comprises mostly sinks and showers and presents a significant infection control risk. Wastewater drains in particular act as a reservoir of pathogens that can be transmitted to patients.