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Your home is a hidden treasure trove of biodiversity. Everyday items like shower heads and toothbrushes host a myriad of viruses, many of which are previously unrecorded. However, there’s no need for alarm or to abandon your hygiene routine. These viruses do not target humans; rather, they focus on bacteria and may even assist in combating antibiotic resistance. This intriguing information comes from a recent study published on October 9 in the journal Frontiers in Microbiomes.
Understanding ‘Phage’
The microorganisms examined in this research are known as bacteriophages, or simply “phages.” These viruses invade bacteria and reproduce within them. They rank among the most prevalent organisms found in nature and have shown promise in targeting bacteria that resist conventional treatments. Researchers have been exploring phages as potential solutions for severe cases of antibiotic-resistant infections.
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According to Erica M. Hartmann, an environmental microbiologist at Northwestern University and co-author of the study, “Phage represents the next frontier in microbiology.” She adds that there is significant interest in utilizing phages for both biotechnological advancements and medical applications. Just as penicillin was derived from moldy bread, it’s possible that future antibiotics could emerge from something found on your toothbrush.
Project Pottymouth 2.0
This new research builds upon earlier work known as Project Pottymouth. Hartmann and her team at the University of Colorado Boulder analyzed the bacterial populations residing on toothbrushes and shower heads, investigating how much microbial contamination originated from toilets.
“In our pilot study, participants sent us their used toothbrushes so we could identify the types of bacteria present,” explains Hartmann. “Fortunately, we discovered that most bacteria found on these brushes were sourced from users’ mouths.” The current investigation utilized this data alongside findings related to shower head microbes but shifted focus towards their associated viruses.
After identifying bacterial species present on both toothbrushes and shower heads, researchers employed
“Both toothbrushes and shower heads contain phages unlike any previously documented,” states Hartmann emphatically. “We observed unique phage profiles not only between different devices but also among individual samples.” This level of diversity indicates an abundance of undiscovered phages waiting to be explored further.
Interestingly, researchers noted a higher prevalence of mycobacteriophages compared to other varieties; these specifically target mycobacteria—pathogens responsible for diseases such as leprosy,
tuberculosis,
and chronic lung infections.
Hartmann suggests that mycobacteriophages could potentially be harnessed for treating these ailments effectively.
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Why There’s No Need for Alarm’
‘Microbes are ubiquitous; however,most pose no threat to human health.Moreover,excessive useof disinfectants can leadto increased resistance among microbes. ‘ ‘ ‘ ‘ ‘