Ask A Scientist© Biology Archive

name         Tracey
status       other
age          30s

Question -   I received an e-mail warning me about flesh-eating
bacteria being found on Costa Rican bananas. Is there any truth to this rumor?
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There is probably flesh eating bacteria on lots of things we touch.  It is
hard for this bacteria to take hold or it would be much more prevalent than
it is.  It needs special circumstances to infect, such as a small break in
the skin to gain entry.  I wouldn't NECESSARILY worry, but of course you
should take precautions as always by washing fruit before eating it, washing
your hands often, etc.

Van Hoeck
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IN bananas is very unlikely. ON bananas, after taken a
bite, is more likely because the socalled flesh-eating
bacteria are Streptococci A and these are normal
mouth/troat flora for many people. The danger is when
these bacteria can enter wounds. Read more about this
disease at www.acrylicbath.com/info.html or have a
look at the Virtual Museum of Bacteria,
www.bacteriamuseum.org

Trudy Wassenaar
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