A recent study conducted by researchers
from the University at Buffalo in New York found two bacteria that cause many
common infections prevalent in children and the elderly. Bacteria that cause strep throat and ear
infections can survive outside the human body for long periods of time on
objects that children often come in contact with including books, cribs and
toys. Evidence shows that Streptococcus
pneumoniae and Streptococcus pyogenes remain on many common
household surfaces longer than previously thought. Many previous studies had suggested that
bacteria quickly die after leaving the human body.
Surfaces including baby cribs tested
positive for S. pyogenes, while four out of five stuffed toys tested
positive for S. pneumoniae. S.
pyogenes is a common cause of strep throat and skin conditions in school
children, but the bacteria can also cause severe infections in adults. S. pneumoniae is a leading cause of
morbidity and mortality from respiratory tract infections in children and the
elderly, and it is also a leading cause of ear infections.
S. pyogenes
While children around the world will be
busy playing with all their new Christmas toys, they and their parents are
unaware of the potential risks to their health from the bacteria that cling to
the toys. Especially in the winter
months, strep throat and ear infections are prevalent among school age children. New antibacterial precautions need to be mandated in hospitals and public facilities to try and inhibit the growth of these common bacteria.
Anders Hakansson, Assistant Professor of
Microbiology and Immunology at the University at Buffalo and senior author of
the study, says: "In all of these cases, we found that these pathogens can
survive for long periods outside a human host.
Commonly handled objects that are contaminated with these biofilm
bacteria could act as reservoirs of bacteria for hours, weeks or months,
spreading potential infections to individuals who come in contact with them".
This quote was alarming to me because I believed bacteria could not survive and
quickly died after leaving a human host.
This study interested me because I babysit often and am in regular contact
with bacteria reservoirs. People who
work with children and in health care facilities need to implement the same
protocols that are used for preventing the spread of other bacteria.
This article reminded me of the Herbal
Medicine lab performed in class. In my
group, we tested ginger's antibacterial properties against Staphylococcus
epidermidis. Other herbs could be
tested against the bacteria prevalent on common surface to see if they inhibit
the growth. I thought this article was
very informative. The only controversial
piece was whether the previous study stating that bacteria quickly died after
leaving the human host is completely accurate or the new study stating that
bacteria can remain after leaving the host.
Original article: "Some bacteria
'live for long periods' on toys, books and cribs" Published on December
29th, 2013 by Honor Whiteman for Medical News Today
This article seems really interesting to me. I also didn't know that some bacteria can live for weeks or even months outside of a human host. More specific information about how long each type of bacterium can survive outside of a host could revolutionize the prevention of disease, especially in public places like airports, schools, or daycare centers, where people (especially children) are at particular risk of contracting different diseases.
ReplyDeleteWhile I knew that bacteria could live on a variety of surfaces for a long time, I did not realize that it could be for weeks or for months. That is a very disturbing thought. But I also wonder that because these surfaces hold the bacteria for that long, is it helping people become more immune to common diseases? With this constant exposure, maybe our immune systems are becoming stronger and waging war on this bacteria could hurt that. While I do believe that keeping sanitary conditions, especially in places with people who easily get sick, like children, I also feel that we should not go crazy over this discovery and continue with normal sanitizing.
ReplyDeleteI found this article very interesting because I have younger siblings who still are in elementary school and play with toys. In my family usually when one person gets sick, we all eventually get it, and now I know that the bacteria is surviving outside the human body for long periods of time. I agree with you Kasey and we should implement the same protocols used to prevent the spreading of other bacteria.
ReplyDeleteAlong with Lindsay, I also found this article interesting because I baby sit for a few families. I always make the girls wash their hands before they eat, after they go to the bathroom etc. but after reading this, I wonder if I should start having them wash their hands after they play with their own toys? But I also agree with Jackie, I dont think we necesarily need to all get crazed about toys being "unsafe". Kids are just being kids with their toys and everyone is bound to get sick at some point or another. There is no preventing every infection or illness.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Lindsay and Sara about their comment and how we shouldn't be too crazy about kids toys, kids are just being kids and playing with their toys. I found this article to be very interesting and informative and same with Sara, after reading this I am wondering if I should start telling the families I babysit for to wash their hands after they play with their own toys. I always make them wash their hands after they eat, after playing outside, after going to the bathroom, etc. To help with the bacteria forming in children's toys you could disinfect them every month to help with some of the bacteria and get most of it off. I realize all of it could not come off but some of it could which could help. This article was one of my favorites to read!
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