Fungal Biofilms in your Plumbing?

That could be the case. At least for a species of fungus called Fusarium.

Reseachers at Penn State have published recent findings of Fusarium infecting the drains in biofilms of plumbing.

A study examining the prevalence of the fungus Fusarium in bathroom sink drains suggests that plumbing systems may be a common source of human infections.

n the first extensive survey of its kind, researchers in Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences sampled nearly 500 sink drains from 131 buildings -- businesses, homes, university dormitories and public facilities -- in Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida and California.

They analyzed fungal DNA to compare the spectrum of Fusarium species and sequence types found in drains with those recovered from human infections.

This could be a good thing or bad. It isn't at this time clear. It also hasn't been investigated what other potential fungal pathogens might be living in our plumbing.

One suggestion I would have is to regularly use enzymatic drain cleaners. This may help reduce inoculum spores in our homes.

For more about this finding see: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111221140455.htm