Kitchen rags, towels and sponges are notorious for bacterial contamination. The sink drain, sink and countertops are also frequently contaminated. Cutting boards, coffee filters, the dishwasher and fridge seals are also top locations for contamination.
Drews says that the bathroom and kitchen are the most germ-infested areas, in part because they include many of the frequently touched surfaces that can be loaded with germs. “There are less obvious things to think about like high-touch items, handheld electronics and, yes, your smartphone,” adds Dr.
While it is true that you will not find a surface without bacteria on it, the majority of bacteria that you'll find are common, non-dangerous species. Studies have shown that of the bacteria found in indoor air, the most common four are: Micrococcus, Staphylococcus, Bacillus, and Pseudomonas.
Sponges and cloths: a feast in the kitchen
But in reality, these are the household items which hold the most bacteria according to a study by Scientific Reports. So, if you haven't already done so: change them, wash them or throw them away!
Dry surfaces are reservoirs for germs.
Dry surfaces include "high-touch" surfaces like bed rails and door handles. They also include things that aren't touched as often, like countertops. Hands can pick up germs from dry surfaces and move them to other surfaces and people.
Susceptibility tests determine a microbe's vulnerability to antimicrobials by exposing a standardized concentration of organism to specific concentrations of antimicrobials. Susceptibility testing can be done for bacteria, fungi, and viruses.
Final answer: Ground meat is most susceptible to bacterial contamination due to the grinding process which exposes more surface area to potential bacterial contamination.
The item most frequently used to clean dishes and countertops was actually the germiest place found in most homes. Sponges and dish rags can pick up bacteria during the cleaning process, and, if not properly sanitized between uses, can be a prime spot for germ growth.
The kitchen work triangle concept originated in 1940 at the University of Illinois. A team of architects applied geometric principles to kitchen design, aiming to optimize the layout of the three main workstations: sink, stove and refrigerator.
“There's more fecal bacteria in your kitchen sink than there is in a toilet after you flush it. That's why your dog drinks out of the toilet. He's smarter than you think,” Gerba said.
Harmful bacteria, such as Staphylococcus aureus increased most significantly when ineffective cleaning took place. Staphylococcus aureus can cause infections such as boils, cellulitis, impetigo, scalded skin syndrome and other skin infections if left untreated.
Bacteria can be found in soil, water, plants, animals, radioactive waste, deep in the earth's crust, arctic ice and glaciers, and hot springs.
Contaminated food, especially undercooked ground beef, unpasteurized (raw) milk and juice, soft cheeses made from raw milk, and raw fruits and vegetables (such as lettuce, other leafy greens, and sprouts). Contaminated water, including drinking untreated water and swimming in contaminated water.
The last link in the chain of infection is the susceptible host. This is the organism (e.g., You or your resident!) that will feel the effects of the infectious disease that has traveled through the chain of infection. The very young or very old are usually more susceptible.
Salmonella in eggs, E. Coli bacteria in ground beef, and pesticides in infant formula are just a few contaminations since the turn of the century that have ravaged the food supply and crippled the food processing and manufacturing industries.
(21.7%) predominated. Contamination was highest in lettuce and lowest in green pepper. Hygiene and vegetable preservation practices of vendors were poor and could aggravate contamination. Contamination of fresh salad vegetables with pathogenic bacteria and parasites could be a food safety concern in study area.
High risk areas for contamination
food service/eating areas. bathroom/shower areas. drinking fountains and hand washing areas.
Warlike and High-Risk areas are parts of the world where it is considered that there is a high level of exposure to safety and life risks due to a war, military tension, hostilities, pirate activity and other circumstances causing immediate danger to visiting vessels and their crews.