Researchers from the University of Colorado examined the presence of bacteria in the shower head (shower head) in 9 U.S. states. The result is unexpected, it turns out membrane biofilm formed on the shower head contains a collection of various types of bacteria. Among the prominent is a bacterium called Mycobacterium avium with concentrations 100-fold higher than in water. These bacteria are especially dangerous for people with impaired immune system function (eg, patients with cancer, AIDS, chronic pulmonary disease, etc.) and can cause respiratory tract infections. When the shower is turned on, the bacteria are released and inhaled into the lungs. But regardless what the exact numbers are unknown. The bacterial infection causes M avium lung infection with symptoms include chronic cough and shortness of breath.
(Microscopic images of bacterial biofilm layer on the shower head)
Cancer patients, especially those receiving chemotherapy, could potentially be more susceptible to infection because of their reduced immune systems. Therefore, very little exposure to infection in healthy patients who did not cause a disease, in patients with cancer can be a serious illness. Knowing this, it is necessary to avoid the risk of exposure to infection with both others and of the environment such as exposure to bacteria from the old shower heads are not replaced / cleaned. To that end, it is recommended to periodically clean the shower head and replace it 1-2 times a year. Shower heads are made of metal is preferred because it is harder for bacteria to stick to than that made of plastic material.
References:
1. Doheny. K. Bacteria may lurk on Your Showerhead.WebMD.2009.
2. Blasting may be Reuters.Your Shower You with Germs: Study.2009
3. Feazel. LM, et al.Opportunistic Pathogens Enriched in showerhead Biofilms.PNAS.2009; 106 (38) :16393-9
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