 |
 |
Bacterial Survival
Name: Janine H.
Status: Other
Age: 30s
Location: N/A
Country: N/A
Date: December 2002
Question:
How long would streptococci bacteria survive on
inanimate objects (such as toys, furniture, sheets, toothbrushes,etc.)
and be able to cause reinfection of humans in the house?
Replies:
The nature of your question indicates that you have
experienced a Streptococcus infection in your
household, and that you are afraid of reinfection. In
general, however, we are 'bombarded' with bacteria,
including streptococci, which are normal flora of the
mouth and throat. Bacteria are everywhere and they do
not harm us.
See, for instance,
http://www.actionbioscience.org/biodiversity/wassenaar.html
It is completely unnecessary to disinfect household
utensils or toys, since we have evolved with these
micro-organisms and our bodies have learned to cope
with them. The only exception may be an individual
with a severely impaired immune system. The
precautions taken in those circumstances are better
dictated by a medical specialist.
Trudy Wassenaar
Click here to return to the Molecular Biology Archives
| |
Update: June 2012
|
|
