Research has shown that the germs that accumulate in every home make up their own community, which, when controlled by experts, can "testify" to everything about the occupants of that home.
According to the Proceedings of the Royal Society B, the analysis of samples from 1.200 homes identified more than 125.000 species of bacteria and 70.000 species of fungi. Research has shown that on average each house contains over 5.000 different species of bacteria and about 2.000 species of fungi. Fungi are the ones that help determine the location of the household, while bacteria determine the identity of the occupants of the house -even the animals- who live there.
According to scientists, there is more variety of microorganisms in a home than in the environment. According to the scientists, these microorganisms penetrate our house through open windows and doors or are carried by people in their clothes and shoes.
However, they said that although some germs are pathogenic, most are harmless or even beneficial and people do not have to worry about them.
But a newer study is coming up with information about the germs on our pillows when we fall asleep.
Scientists from the University of Manchester put under the microscope 10 sleeping pillows which were in regular use for a year and a half up to 20 years.
Their research found that the most common fungus was Aspergillus (Aspergillus Fumigatus), a very dangerous fungus, especially for patients with reduced immune systems, such as cancer patients, people with leukemia, transplant recipients, people receiving corticosteroid therapy, and AIDS patients. The incidence of Aspergillus infections is increasing and extending to other groups of patients.
Aspergillus is responsible for serious illness and death in patients with reduced body defenses, and is a cause of worsening allergic conditions, such as asthma. It is transported by air and overrides the defense of the human body, invading mainly the sinuses and lungs. It can also invade organs such as the brain.
According to scientists, sleeping pillows contain from 4-16 different species of fungi. In fact, they say, a pillow can contain more than 1 million fungal seeds that feed on the dust of bed bugs and human skin, which is exfoliated during sleep.
Experts recommend regular disinfection of pillows and regular change of pillowcases, while they also recommend the use of special pillowcases that protect against fungi, citing the example of England, where they use plastic covers to protect against Aspergillus infections.
Source: naftemporiki.gr