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When you think about mutant bacteria in the news, most people think about drug resistance. A very serious problem caused by over- or misuse of antibiotics.
Or perhaps you envision a wild haired mad scientist maniacally laughing as a glowing green goo drips into a flask on the table.
What if I told you that YOU are the unsuspecting mad scientist. That you are, in fact, creating mutant bacteria in your own home. A recent publication in Frontiers in Microbiology makes this claim. With the science to back it up.
Researchers from Spain analyzed mutant bacteria found in single-household kitchens, shared domestic spaces (like corporate centers and cafeterias), and finally from molecular biology and microbiology laboratories.
Believe it or not, labs use microwaves too!
Researchers expected that this diverse sampling scheme may identify whether or not microbial communities are influenced by the user and what they nuke.
“Our results reveal that domestic microwaves have a more ‘anthropized’ microbiome, similar to kitchen surfaces, while laboratory microwaves harbor bacteria that are more resistant to to radiation,” said Daniel Torrent, one of the authors, and a researcher at the start-up Darwin Bioprospecting Excellence SL in Paterna, Spain.”
Scientists examined 30 microwaves. They selected 10 from single-household kitchens, 10 from shared domestic spaces, and 10 from molecular biology and microbiology laboratories.
To analyze those samples, scientists used both molecular and microbiological technologies. Next generation sequencing and cultivation on five different culture media.
Scientists discovered hundreds of different types of bacteria, or “genera” in these appliances. They found 747 to be exact. They discovered 25 different groups, or “phyla” during their investigation.
In context, Salmonella species are considered the genera. They contain many different strains within that genus. Salmonella Thompson, Salmonella Newport, etc. Phyla describes the larger group that Salmonella or other bacteria belong to. For example, Salmonella belongs to the phylum, “pseudomonadota” along with Escherichia (of E. coli fame). Listeria, on the other hand, belongs to the phylum, “firmicutes.”
These are the ways scientist categorize microbes.
The most frequently encountered phyla were Firmicutes, Actinobacteria, and lots of Proteobacteria.
A more diverse group of bacteria were found in laboratory microwaves, whereas the lowest diversity was found in single-household microwaves. All that means was that there were fewer types of bacteria in home microwaves. There were still plenty of mutant microbes to look at.
Some microbes were found only in home microwaves. Others were only found in shared use ones. However, there was some overlap between them.
Interestingly, one type of bacteria, Nonomuraea bacteria, were found only in laboratory microwaves.
“Members of genera Acinetobacter, Bhargavaea, Brevibacterium, Brevundimonas, Dermacoccus, Klebsiella, Pantoea, Pseudoxanthomonas and Rhizobium were found only in domestic microwaves, whereas Arthrobacter, Enterobacter, Janibacter, Methylobacterium, Neobacillus, Nocardioides, Novosphingobium, Paenibacillus, Peribacillus, Planococcus, Rothia, Sporosarcina, and Terribacillus were found only in shared-domestic ones,” said the press release.
Microbes found in all types of microwaves sampled resembled those of “an industrial habitat.” Like those found on solar panels.
Scientists believe this could be due to the nature of a microwave. “Constant thermal shock, electromagnetic radiation, and desiccation.” These influences are not all that different from those found in highly irradiated environments. To survive, highly resistant microbes must evolve.
These resistant mutant bacteria are found in domestic microwaves as well.
Unsurprisingly, the diversity of microbes found in home and shared microwaves was much like that found on other kitchen surfaces.
While not all of these bacteria pose a health risk, “Some species of genera found in domestic microwaves, such as Klebsiella, Enterococcus, and Aeromonas, may pose a risk to human health.”
These bacteria are often found on common kitchen surfaces.
Researchers recommend regular disinfection. They suggest a diluted bleach solution or commercially available disinfectant spray meant to kill harmful germs. Both the inside and outside of the microwave should be wiped down between each use to clean up spills, remove residue, and prevent bacterial growth.
A clean microwave, free of spills and debris, reduces the risk of bacterial colony formation. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) recommends consulting the manufacturer’s use and care manual for the specific needs of your model of microwave oven. Many manufacturers recommend reducing the risk of electric shock by unplugging the unit prior to cleaning.
If the manual cannot be located, the USDA suggests a few tricks to help keep your microwave in tip top shape.
Remove splatters and spills as they happen so food residue doesn’t bake on. Wipe the inside and outside down with a soft cloth or damp paper towel.
For more heavy soiled surfaces, use baking soda, a mild soap, or dishwashing liquid. These agents are design to break down food residue.
For a steam clean that will loosen baked on residue and remove food odors, use the power of the microwave.
Add 6 tablespoons of baking soda or ½ cup lemon juice to one cup of water in a microwave-safe glass dish. Microwave until the liquid boils. Leave the door closed until the mixture cools. Allow about 20 minutes. Wipe the surfaces with a soft cloth or paper towel.
Like most scientific discoveries, an answer only generates several more questions. Armed with this knowledge, where does the research go from here?
The authors suggest that there could be biotechnological applications to industrial processes. These hardy bacteria have use in a variety of different applications.
This leads you to the ultimate question that tempted you to click on the link in the first place. Should you be worried about mutant bacteria in your home or office microwave. The short answer is no. With a caveat.
Any surface can become contaminated and create a domino effect of cross contamination. The specific mutations will likely cause no additional harm beyond potentially their non-mutant counterparts. However, keeping things clean in the kitchen, separating meat from other ready-to-eat foods, and washing your hands along with other common sense food safety activities will help to keep your family safe.
If you’d like to know more about food safety topics in the news, like “Could You Be Creating Mutant Bacteria in Your Own Home? Scientists Say, Yes!,” check out the Make Food Safe Blog. We regularly update trending topics, foodborne infections in the news, recalls, and more! Stay tuned for quality information to help keep your family safe, while The Lange Law Firm, PLLC strives to Make Food Safe!
By: Heather Van Tassell (contributing writer, non-lawyer)
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