How long live bacteria and viruses in your home

Each square centimeter of skin to 100 nestles tysyach microorganisms. When we sneeze, droplets of liquid bacteria and viruses are scattered almost a meter.

"The life expectancy of a microorganism depends on many factors - says Philip Tierno (Philip Tierno), a microbiologist at New York University. - Virus for reproduction need to get into the cell of another organism. Therefore, beyond they live on less than bacteria. Although they still survive in various household surfaces. Bacteria can reproduce outside of the body, therefore live longer. "

Life expectancy microbes influence humidity and temperature.

No bacteria or virus does not survive on dry surfaces with a moisture content of less than 10%. They actively proliferate in the presence of all nutrients: food particles, skin cells, blood, mucus. Therefore, a sponge for washing dishes - a fertile ground for microbial life.

The bacteria are mesophiles, which include tubercle bacillus causing tuberculosis, grow best at room temperature. Because they live longer than the cold-loving or thermophilic microorganisms. E. coli at room temperature and normal humidity lives ranging from several hours to days. This bacterium may occur in minced meat and cause food poisoning. Calicivirus that causes intestinal flu, lives a few days or even weeks. And here

HIV outdoors is killed almost instantly.

To survive adverse conditions, some species form a dense shell.

Such a condition is called bacterial dispute. The bacteria form spores can withstand extreme temperatures and humidity.

For example, so does the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus, which causes toxic shock, food poisoning and wound infections. According to Tierno, spores staphylococcus survive on dry clothes a few weeks, eating remains on her skin particles. A bacillus anthrax - anthrax - in the form of spores lives of tens and even hundreds of years.

But do not panic. To be safe, wash your hands frequently. This significantly reduces the risk of contracting something. Regularly wipe disinfectants especially dangerous surfaces: door knobs, kitchen tables, sink.

see also

• As bacteria can help solve the problems of humanity →
• Carriers of bacteria, which we touched on a daily basis →
• Why you do not need antiviral drugs →