Research Report: Bacteria Hubs

Today we understand what bacteria is. We also understand there are friendly and non-friendly bacteria. Germs are another label for unfriendly bacteria as well as other pathogens. As vigilant as we may be when it comes to keeping our environments clean, there are often bacteria hubs we don’t think of cleaning. The human immune system is designed to interact with germs (bacteria) to maintain a strong defense. Ultra sterile environments can create an imbalance or autoimmune issue causing allergic responses. There has to be a healthy balance.

“The human immune system evolved two types of biological defenses. When one defensive system lacks practice fighting bacteria and viruses, perhaps from an overly sanitary lifestyle, the other system becomes too powerful and overreacts; as an allergic reaction – to harmless substances like pollen.” Dr. Erika Von Mutius, Health Researcher

DISCOVERY

When did humanity discover germs? History records that an 18th century Belgium cloth merchant (Antoni Van Leeuwenhoek), who invented a special microscope and upon studying pond water, human saliva, and dental plaque discovered bacteria. He described the bacteria as “little animals (animalcula protoza).” However, science did not officially recognize bacteria until 1860.

HOSPITAL BUG HUB

According to the CDC, “1 in 31 hospital patients has at least one healthcare-associated infection”. An elderly hospital patient is at a much higher risk according to Consumer Reports.  If you are over 65 you are at a higher risk of dying while at the hospital with reports citing 180,000 hospital deaths annually. 

The types of silent killer infections patients pick up at their hospital are; blood, respiratory, and skin infections. Dr. Pronovost’s study showed that hospitals are not doing enough to keep patients healthy and safe. He suggests that people should investigate the hospital’s infection rating. He feels that patients should expect their hospital to offer minimal risk, if any because the diseases patients acquire there are preventable. Dr. Pronovost also recommends that patients and family members question everything until they receive an adequate and truthful answer.

“A healthcare system that doesn’t address your concerns is a risky one.” Peter J. Pronovost, MD, Adult Critical Care Unit John Hopkins researcher

TAKE A QUIZ

We understand that bacteria and viruses can survive on surfaces  (depending on the pathogen) for several days or weeks. Therefore, hospital surfaces are often full of pathogens. See if you can answer this question;  which hospital surface has been found to collect the most infectious pathogens? 

• bathroom 
• door handles
• patient chart
• IV polls
• floors
• hospital bed (including bed rails)
• bed partitions
• physician stethoscope 
• patient wristband

If you answered bed partition you are correct. The doctor’s stethoscope is second. Hospital staff often wear wristbands that are rarely sanitized like the stethoscope and bed partition curtain. 

WHAT YOU WEAR

A recent study by Florida Atlantic University found that wristbands people wear are often never cleaned. The study was published in the August 2023 Journal of Advances in Infectious Diseases. 

You may recall as a teenager wearing various wristbands of leather, yarn, or metal and never thought to clean them. The scientists tested wristbands to find that 95% were contaminated with:

• E coil (found on 60% of the wristbands)
• Pneumonia bacteria (found on 30% of the wristbands) 
• Staph (found on 85% of the wristbands)

“Despite being worn daily, routine cleaning of wristbands is generally overlooked or simply ignored.” Florida Atlantic University, August 2023

Besides wearing decorative wristbands people also wear Apple watches, exercise wristbands, and thermal (hot or cold) bands. The scientists wanted to measure the success of cleaning agents on wristbands and they reported:

• Lysol cleaners are 99% effective when on the surface 2 minutes
• Apple cider vinegar is 70% effective when on the surface 2 minutes

“The natural immune system does not have as much to do as it did 50 years ago because we’ve increased our efforts to protect our children from dirt and germs.” Dr. Marc McMorris of the University of Michigan Health System

The materials used in wristbands can make a big difference in harboring contagious pathogens. Researchers found that rubber and plastic wristbands harbor higher bacterial counts. The metal (gold and silver) had little to no bacteria. 

“The gym-goer showed the highest staphylococcal counts.” Florida Atlantic University, August 2023

How do the wristbands get so contaminated? Various bacteria are found in the environment. Staph pathogens are typically found on the following human surfaces:

• Skin
• Inside nose
• Armpit
• Groin

"Other potential forms of bacterial transmission and facilitation of infection, such as earbuds, headphones, gaming controls or cell phones, should be similarly studied." Nwadiuto Esiobu, Ph.D., professor of biological sciences at the Charles E. Schmidt College of Science

CUT DOWN ON TRANSMISSION

Scientific research has reported that hospital-born infections and seasonal bugs are easily avoided with proper sanitation. Follow simple sanitary practices like washing your hands before eating, drinking, and using the bathroom. Make it a habit to clean your jewelry and wristbands regularly. Give your immune system additional support with herbal supplements such as garlic, echinacea, and ginseng. Focus on nutrition and water intake to provide full body support on a cellular level.   

*This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Seek medical advice from a licensed medical physician before using any product or therapy.*

Sources:

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2023/08/230816114113.htm

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/evolution/library/10/4/l_104_07.html

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/11/221121130751.htm

http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/2012/10/your-hospital-survival-guide/index.htm

http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=113578

http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2014/04/09/hospital-acquired-infections.aspx

http://www.theguardian.com/society/2015/sep/05/bruce-keogh-hospital-patients-risk-death-admitted-weekends

https://www.cdc.gov/healthcare-associated-infections/php/dat...