Did you know that your cellphone carries a wide range of bacteria? In fact, research by scientists at the University of Oregon discovered that female-owned cellphones carried different types of bacteria compared to those owned by men. Upon further investigation, it was concluded that about 80 percent of the bacteria on any given cellphone matched the bacteria found on the owner’s skin and in their mouth. Interestingly, the bacteria found on women’s phones showed a stronger correlation to their own bodies than the bacteria on men’s phones.
So, what types of bacteria were found? Let’s delve a little deeper into the world of microscopic organisms living on our favorite gadgets.
Streptococcus
Streptococcus is one of the most common forms of bacteria found on people and their possessions. This type of bacteria typically dwells in the human mouth. While some strains of Streptococcus are harmless, others can lead to mild or severe health issues. For example, Streptococcus pyogenes can cause strep throat, while Streptococcus pneumoniae can lead to pneumonia. Regularly cleaning your phone, as well as washing your hands often, can help prevent such infections.
Staphylococcus
Staphylococcus is another common bacteria found on cellphones. These bacteria inhabit the skin and can sometimes lead to skin infections. Staphylococcus aureus is a type of bacteria that can cause a range of issues, from minor skin infections (such as boils and impetigo) to more serious, life-threatening conditions like sepsis. The prevalence of Staphylococcus bacteria on personal devices like cellphones highlights the importance of maintaining good hygiene practices.
Corynebacterium
Corynebacterium is a type of bacteria related to the skin. Generally harmless, some species of Corynebacterium are responsible for causing acne or other skin-related issues. As with other forms of bacteria, regular cleaning of your phone can help prevent the spread of Corynebacterium, ensuring the health of your skin.
Bacteria and Your Health
The presence of bacteria on cellphones raises several key questions. Does this interaction between humans, their bacteria, and their devices have any significant health implications? James Meadow, a researcher involved in the University of Oregon study, states: “This project was a proof-of-concept to see if our favorite and most closely held possessions microbially resemble us. We are ultimately interested in the possibility of using personal effects as a non-invasive way to monitor our health and our contact with the surrounding environment.”
In other words, the overarching goal is to understand how the microbial ecosystems on our personal devices, such as cellphones, might shed light on our health and our interactions with the environment. However, this concept has not yet been substantiated, and further research is necessary to fully comprehend the potential consequences of carrying a menagerie of bacteria on our gadgets.
Preventing the Spread of Harmful Bacteria
So, how can you keep your cellphone clean and reduce the risk of spreading harmful bacteria? Here are a few tips:
- Wipe down your phone regularly with a microfiber cloth or a disinfecting wipe that’s safe for use on electronics.
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Wash your hands frequently, particularly after touching public surfaces or using the bathroom, to prevent the spread of bacteria to your phone and other personal items.
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Avoid using your phone in public restrooms, as this is another prime location for the growth and transfer of bacteria.
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Keep your phone out of the bedroom, especially during sleep. This helps reduce the transfer of bacteria to your sheets, pillowcases, and face.
In conclusion, bacteria found on cellphones are ubiquitous and predominantly correlate with the bacteria found on the owner’s body. While more research is needed in order to fully understand the implications these bacteria might have on our overall health, maintaining good hygiene and being mindful of our interactions with personal devices can help reduce the risk of harmful interactions with bacteria.
