science news
October 10, 2024 06:47October 10, 2024 06:48
Not only are there bacteria there, there are also viruses. Image: Shutterstock
As a team of researchers reports in the professional journal Microbiome Frontiers, not only are there countless bacteria on toothbrushes and in the bathroom, but there are also a huge variety of viruses.
Samples of US shower heads and toothbrushes contained more than 600 different viruses. “The amount of viruses we found is absolutely crazy,” said study leader Erica Hartman of Northwestern University in Evanston.
“We found many viruses that we knew very little about, and many that we had never seen before.” There was also little overlap between the two samples. “Each shower head and each toothbrush is like its own island.”
Harmless to humans
The good news: These viruses are not dangerous to humans, but they can attack and multiply in bacteria. Such so-called bacteriophages have recently been increasingly studied for treating antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections.
Researchers believe that newly discovered virus species may be a treasure trove in this regard. Many phages that specialized in infecting mycobacteria, the cause of diseases such as leprosy, tuberculosis and lung infections, were found in the samples. “It's amazing how much untapped biodiversity is all around us,” Hartman said. “And you don't even have to go far to find it, it's right under our noses.”
Bacteria are also present
In the study, researchers asked people to send them used toothbrushes and shower head swabs. Previous analyzes have shown the presence of large numbers of bacteria in the samples. For virus analysis, 34 samples from brushes and 92 samples from shower heads were analyzed.
“This project started out of curiosity,” explains Hartmann. “We want to know what microbes are living in our houses.” Surfaces such as tables and walls are difficult for microorganisms to colonize because they prefer an environment with water. «Where is the water? On our shower heads and toothbrushes. “
No reason to clean like crazy
The research team also emphasizes that the diversity of bathroom microorganisms is by no means a reason to use antibacterial cleaning products. Regularly changing your toothbrush is enough. Special antibacterial toothbrushes are also unnecessary, especially since they may cause bacteria to develop resistance. For shower heads, cleaning with soap and, if necessary, a descaler will suffice.
“Microorganisms are everywhere, and the vast majority don't make us sick,” Hartmann explains. “The more you fight them with disinfectants, the more likely they are to become resistant or become more difficult to treat.” (Sudanese Development Authority/Department of Political Affairs)
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