Viruses on toothbrushes and shower heads? That sounds worrying at first. But quite the opposite: researchers are enthusiastic about the previously unknown biodiversity and see great opportunities for medical progress.
In October 2024, the journal Frontiers in Microbiomes published a new study by microbiologists at Northwestern University in the USA. The result: Over 600 different types of viruses live on our toothbrushes and shower heads – many of them previously unexplored or completely unknown.
But don’t worry: Although health alarm bells ring at the idea of viruses, the researchers give the all-clear. In fact, they see the discovery as having great potential for advancement in medical research.
Background of the study: Hygiene in the bathroom
(Photo: CC0 / Pixabay / jarmoluk)
But how did microbiologists discover the viruses in the first place?
The research team, led by Erica M. Hartmann, was initially interested in possible hygiene risks in the bathroom. The background to this original 2021 research was based on the knowledge that microbes thrive in moist environments.
The scientists wanted to find out whether viruses that are harmful to health multiply in the bathroom when they are stirred up by flushing the toilet. The team analyzes shower heads and toothbrushes from different households.
Building on this research, the researchers collected samples from 96 shower heads and 34 toothbrushes to examine them for microbiological diversity. The results were amazing.
Viruses on toothbrushes and shower heads: What researchers found
(Photo: CC0 / Pixabay / maffiemaffie)
A total of 614 virus types were discovered in the study. Hartmann said:
“The number of viruses we have found is truly astonishing. (…) On the one hand, we found viruses that we still know little about and, on the other hand, we found viruses that we didn’t know existed before.”
The viruses are so-called bacteriophages (phages). Bacteriophages are bacterial viruses, also known as bacteriophages, that only infect bacteria and multiply in their host organism. They are known to science, but have not yet been researched much.
In medicine there is particular interest in bacterial viruses because they have the potential to combat infectious diseases caused by antibiotic-resistant germs. That would be a major advance for science.
More about this here: When antibiotics fail: Now viruses fight disease-causing bacteria
In addition, it may be possible in the future to ensure greater hygiene without having to rely on antimicrobial products. This would be a particularly gentle type of cleaning that would avoid the use of harsh chemicals, which ultimately kill the benign bacteria.
It is therefore impressive what previously unknown biodiversity can be found in our bathrooms. The research team’s discovery is met with great hope among experts and underscores the need for further research in the field.
No health risk
(Photo: CC0 / Pixabay / 955169)
So the viruses on toothbrushes and shower heads are a great discovery for science and medicine. The microbiologists also give the all-clear – the bacterial viruses pose no health risk to people. You don’t have to remove them.
So what does the discovery mean for everyday life in the bathroom? The finding represents another reason to avoid using synthetic chemical clubs for cleaning. Such agents not only harm the environment, but also the diversity of bacteria. Instead, you should use natural cleaning methods. You will find tips and advice in the following guides:
- Make your own bathroom cleaner: with just two ingredients
- Cleaning the toilet with home remedies: 6 tips for cleaning toilets
- All tips for cleaning your bathroom: How to do it effectively and sustainably
- Descaling the shower head: The best home remedies and tips
You can also pay attention to hygiene with your toothbrush. Clean an electric toothbrush regularly to rid it of harmful germs. You should change a regular toothbrush after you have used it for several months.
But even then, in the spirit of sustainability: Don’t throw away old toothbrushes: This is how you can use them.
Read more on Techzle\.com:
- Cleaning the shower cubicle: These tips will make it work
- Probiotic cleaning products: With bacteria against bacteria
- Strengthen your immune system: This is how you arm yourself against viruses this winter
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