Study Shows that Bacteria Can Survive on Objects Longer than Formerly Believed

Article at a Glance

• The bacteria that causes respiratory tract infections, strep throats, and ear infections survive longer than originally thought.
• The bacteria creates a biofilm that can allow it to live weeks or even months.
• Our best defense is washing our hands frequently.

New research shows that the two common bacteria that cause respiratory tract infections, strep throat, and ear infections can actually live a lot longer outside the human body than originally thought.

Previously it was believed that the bacteria Streptococcus pneumoniae and Streptococcus pyogenes would not survive long on inanimate items like furniture, toys, or dishes. But a recent study from the University of Buffalo shows that this bacteria can actually live for weeks or even months on inanimate items.

Traditionally research on the survival of bacteria has been conducted in a lab with lab cultures. But recent research has shown that when bacteria infects human tissue it creates a hardy biofilm; meaning that laboratory cultures did not give an accurate picture of how the bacteria really grows.

Instead of using lab cultures, this study looked to see how long bacteria could actually last outside the body. The researchers tested items in a day care center in the morning before opening so that it had been hours before there had been any human contact. They found that four out of five stuffed toys tests positive for S. pneumonaie and several other surfaces tested positive for S. pyogenes, even though they had been well cleaned. The study showed that even month-old biofilm was able to infect colonized mice.

The findings are changing the way we think about how these bacteria spread. Traditionally research has shown that we only become infected with this bacteria when we breathe in infected droplets that have been coughed or sneezed out by others. But this new study shows that more research is needed about how bacterial colonization may cause an infection. If it is a common form of infection, we will need to take added precautions when sanitizing daycare centers, hospitals, schools, and nursing centers.

But one thing hasn’t changed. Our best defense continues to be well-washed hands. Use soap and water, and be sure to scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. Always wash your hands before you eat or after being out in public.

You should also:

• Be careful when touching high traffic items like faucets, light switches, and door handles.
• Avoid touching your face, biting your nails, rubbing your eyes, or picking your nose.
• Keep your immune system in shape. Get lots of rest, drink plenty of liquids, and reduce stress.

More Information:
Strep bacteria live on for hours after cleaning, study finds (heraldextra.com)