Brisbane’s water supply has been found to contain disease carrying bugs which can be directly linked to infections in some patients, according to a new study by QUT.
Dr Rachel Thomson, who has completed her PhD through QUT’s Faculty of Health, said certain species of nontuberculous mycobacteria were present in Brisbane’s water distribution system.
“We know that certain species of nontuberculous mycobacteria can cause disease and infection in humans, especially in some at-risk groups, but not all exposure to mycobacteria is harmful,” she said.