'PINK SLIME' Data Base

Posted by Terri Martin, Volunteer Mentor @windwalker, Jul 26, 2017

Dear Connect Members,

Remember the poll I started about who has the 'pink slime' AKA Methylobacterium in their bathrooms? I have been in contact with Joseph Falkinham, a NTM reseacher and professor at Virginia Tech. He is very interested in starting a data base for where this particular bacterium is located throughout the U.S. and Canada. I have noted the locales from those of you who have already responded. Am encouraging any others with the pinkish/orange bacteria to report it back here to me. I don't know about you, but I am excited to be a part of important research.
Please include your state and county name when submitting. Thank you in advance for helping with this poll. See e-mail below from Dr. Falkinham - Terri M.

"Dear Terri:

The source of mycobacteria in homes and buildings is the municipal water from a utility. It enters the treatment plant from the source water, usually adhering to soil particulates. The mycobacteria are disinfectant-resistant and are the few survivors of disinfection (e.g., chlorine) and have no competitors that have been killed off.

When that water reaches our homes, the mycobacteria grow in the water heaters and then are circulated throughout the house. We are currently finishing up work showing the impact of the water heater on mycobacterial numbers. Thus, the critical control point for mycobacteria might be the water heater.

I would certainly appreaciate knowing where the "Connect" group has found pink slime. You have given me an idea....I can use the NTM Foundation data base to get an idea of pink slime across the US and Canada.

Best,
Joe"

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the MAC & Bronchiectasis Support Group.

Terri Martin, Volunteer Mentor | @windwalker | May 26, 2019

@brigby and @pfists I cannot get out of the house before noon either due to 3 inhalant treatments I have to do. It is such a drag.

Brenda R. | @brigby | May 26, 2019

@windwalker Teri, I know the treatments are so time consuming...when I think I can’t do it again, I try to remind myself we are benefiting from many who have gone before us who had NONE of the treatment options we enjoy. My prayer is we can help those who come after us in any small way. Hang on girl and keep moving, when you can. I’m sorry for all you go through, and I’m grateful for your leadership in this forum. Brenda

Terri Martin, Volunteer Mentor | @windwalker | May 26, 2019

In reply to @brigby "@windwalker Teri, I know the treatments are so time consuming...when I think I can’t do it..." + (show)

@brigby Thank you for bringing me back down to earth! You are absolutely right. How lucky we are to have the meds that we do nowadays. You have reminded me to think back to the days years ago when my drs didn't know how to treat this, and how sick I was. I am sitting here now huffing on my tobi and feeling grateful for it.

Brenda R. | @brigby | May 27, 2019

@windwalker Atta girl! I’m not sick right now, so of course it’s easy for me to be grateful! We”ll see how my attitude is next time I’m down sick! Might need you to snap me out of it!

tdrell | @tdrell | Jun 7, 2019

In reply to @windwalker "Yes Jan. I will send yours as well. Thank you." + (show)

@windwalker....terri...did l reply to this two years ago? to be part of the group with pink slime....we have it is our shower...on the walls where the water lands....I live in SE Wisconsin.,,..,Washington county,,,,west Bend....tdrell aka terri

Chattey2 | @chattey2 | Jul 1, 2019

Is this still an active post. I have the pink mold in my bath room. I recently remodeled bathroom. Replaced shower pan, showerhead, retiled. But the pink mold grew again in my new tile. If it is in the waterheater that could explain the reason it grew back . I have bronchiectasis/ Mac. Could I contact gentleman at Virginia tech.

Chattey2 | @chattey2 | Jul 2, 2019

In reply to @pfists "@brigby Its great that your still able to work with what your dealing with! I understand..." + (show)

Do neb while doing the vest.?

nannette | @nannette | Jul 2, 2019

In reply to @chattey2 "Is this still an active post. I have the pink mold in my bath room. I..." + (show)

Hi @chatty2, if I'm correct the pink mold is not a bad thing. I believe that when the pink mold is present the MAC doesn't like it so it lets the pink mold hold court. I have pink mold and I couldn't be happier. But to confirm there are many on this site that might want to chime in....@windwalker for one. She's our leader. Nan

migizii | @migizii | Jul 2, 2019

In reply to @chattey2 "Do neb while doing the vest.?" + (show)

I do it that way....my pulmonologist says it’s fine as long as I can tolerate it.

alleycatkate | @alleycatkate | Jul 4, 2019

In reply to @windwalker "Yes Jan. I will send yours as well. Thank you." + (show)

@windwalker Terri, Responding to your pink slime question. Yes, I see it here in my bathrooms. Not a lot but certainly pink slime. I am in Vero Beach, FL.
Kate