Dust in your home can make you antibiotic resistant

Although it is rare for pathogens to live in indoor dust, they can hitchhike into homes and mingle with existing bacteria. This increases risk of infections.

By: IANS | | Published: January 27, 2020 10:54 am

Although it is rare for pathogens to live in indoor dust, they can hitchhike into homes and mingle with existing bacteria. @Shutterstock

A study of Northwestern University (NU) found that bacteria living in household dust can spread antibiotic resistance genes, and the researchers believe these genes could potentially spread to pathogens, making infections more difficult to treat. Also Read - Should you sanitize or disinfect? Here’s what you should know about using them

Bacteria can share many different types of genes as long as the genes have mobile segments of DNA. NU researchers were the first to find that antibiotic resistance genes in dust microbes have mobile capabilities, the Xinhua news agency reported. “We observed living bacteria have transferable antibiotic resistance genes,” said Erica Hartmann, an assistant professor of environmental engineering in NU’s McCormick School of Engineering. Also Read - Antibiotic resistance: Your kitchen sponge could be the new weapon against it

Although it is rare for pathogens to live in indoor dust, they can hitchhike into homes and mingle with existing bacteria. “A nonpathogen can use horizontal gene transfer to give antibiotic resistance genes to a pathogen,” Hartmann explained. “Then the pathogen becomes antibiotic resistant.” Also Read - Antimicrobial resistance: What is it all about and ways to prevent it

“Microbes share genes when they get stressed out,” Hartmann said. “They aren’t equipped to handle the stress, so they share genetic elements with a microbe that might be better equipped.” Hartmann recommends dusting with a damp cloth instead of using antimicrobial solutions, which can make bacteria more resistant to antibiotics.

The study was published Thursday in the journal PLOS Pathogens.

Published : January 27, 2020 10:54 am

Read Disclaimer

Is your home near a highway? Beware of dementia

Avoid a high-protein diet and prevent artery-clogging plaque

About The health Site

TheHealthSite.com is India's largest health site with more than 40 lakh unique visitors per month. We focus on fitness, beauty, health, pregnancy and more.

Most popular health and wellness website in India in 2012 at the Website of the year awards.

health@corp.india.com

+91 – 22 – 6697 1234

91 – 22 – 2490 0302.

ZEE ENTERTAINMENT ENTERPRISES LTD, 18th floor, A-Wing, Marathon Futurex, N. M. Joshi Marg, Lower Parel, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400013.

We respect your privacy

Is your home near a highway? Beware of dementia

Avoid a high-protein diet and prevent artery-clogging plaque

Should you sanitize or disinfect? Here’s what you should know about using them

Antibiotic resistance: Your kitchen sponge could be the new weapon against it

Antimicrobial resistance: What is it all about and ways to prevent it

Are you on antibiotics? Keep monitoring your heart health

About The health Site

Useful Links