Scientists have found evidence that common bacteria, which was thought to perish from exposure after a brief period of time, are instead able to survive for much longer periods.
Two particular bacteria are particularly well adapted to surviving on surfaces for long periods: Streptococcus pneumoniae and Streptococcus pyogenes. The bacteria is particularly dangerous to children and elderly, immune compromised individuals.
In the past, common understanding of such bacteria was that they perished to exposure quickly after being left behind by human touch or bodily fluids. But that knowledge is being revisited. This poses novel problems, such as redrawing and planning for prophylaxis of these bacteria, especially in hospitals and similar communal places.
The reason for this resistance to exposure is a biofilm. The discovery of the existence of such biofilm is what has led researchers to realize that bacteria live longer than predicted. The biofilm is itself a group of microorganisms that bind together on a surface, therefore allowing some of the bacteria to be shielded and survive.
What is of particular interest is the fact that the new research showed that there was lingering, significant presence of bacteria, even after surfaces had been cleaned due to the biofilm. In addition, the biofilm itself can survive for many hours after it has been lifted from surfaces by a human's hand, or other contact, even after cleaning.
The data analyzed pointed to the fact that these biofilms could allow the bacteria to survive not only for hours, but days and months, thereby greatly increasing their infectious potential.
source : MNT/ 12.30.13
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