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Are The Small White Spheres Specific To One Bacteria?

Question: In your article “Significance Of Airborne Bacteria In Indoor Environments” there is a picture of bacterial growth in a culture dish. Could you tell me whether the small white spheres are specific to one bacteria or is a common presentation for many types?

Answer: The white spheres could be representing one type of bacterium or different types of bacteria. However, bacteria colonies will differ in size, texture and color. Description of a bacteria colony includes its shape, the margins or edges of the colony, the colony’s color, as well as surface texture. Some bacteria have their colonies round and smooth, others can have wavy edges and a wrinkled appearance. Differentiating bacteria based on the appearance of their colonies is unreliable, but an essential first step in isolating the different types of bacteria in a sample. Similarly bacteria cells differ in shape and size. Four of the common shapes of bacteria cells are cocci (spherical), rods, vibrio (comma shaped) and spiral.

Can Houses Suffer From Bacterial Infestations?

Question: Hi, I recently bought and moved into a new build property.  Having suffered with increasingly sensitive skin (became very red when bathing, touching skin) I moved out after 6 weeks.  Having removed carpets and repainted I am still getting a very clear skin reaction after having spent time in the house, unless I wash my skin almost immediately. Could this possibly have a bacterial component- for example if the drains haven’t been fitted properly- the house does have, what I would term, a ‘dirty plastic’ smell upstairs. I have also tried a powerful air-purifier which hasn’t really helped. Can houses suffer from bacterial infestations? Any advice would be much appreciated. This has been a very stressful situation. I live in England.

Answer: Yes, a house can be infested with bacteria. It’s difficult for me to know whether your skin condition is due to bacteria or other biological or chemical irritants. I would suggest you seek advice from a dermatologist.

What is the Difference Between Bacteria And Mold?

Questions:

I found black spots on the outside part of the neck of a plastic bottle of wine. They evolved over time into mushy, mold looking marks. I was told they were bacteria and so harmless. My questions are:

  1. What is the difference between bacteria and mold?
  2. Can bacteria actually grow into “beard-looking” stuff?
  3. Is it really safe?

Many thanks.

Answers:

  1. The main differences between molds, which are fungi, and bacteria are:
    • Fungi have a proper nucleus in their cells and bacteria do not.
    • Fungi are eukaryotes, that’s their DNA is enclosed in a nucleus which is separated from the cytoplasm by a nuclear membrane, bacteria are prokaryotes, that’s their DNA is not sepatated from the cytoplasm in a nucleus.
    • Fungal cells are complex while bacterial cells are simple. Fungi have structures in their cells such as mitochondria which bacteria do not have.
  2. Bacteria mainly exist as single cells. However, a few are filamentous and therefore may grow into “beard-looking” stuff
  3. It’s not safe to drink or eat anything contaminated by microorganisms. While not all microorganisms are harmful, there very high chances that a harmful bacterium or fungus could be present.

Bacterial and Fungal Contamination of Metalworking Fluids (MWFs)

Metalworking fluids are used to cool and/or lubricate metal works during machining, grinding, cutting, milling, etc. MWFs can get contaminated when good hygiene practices are not followed or when fluids are not properly managed or maintained. Bacterial and fungal contamination of metalworking fluids (MWFs) is a major concern in the industries which use these fluids. Contamination may cause equipment malfunction, off-odors, degradation in the fluid quality, economic losses and finally, they pose as a major health hazard. Several Gram +ve and Gram -ve bacteria are found as contaminants. These include Staphylococcus sp., Bacillus sp., Pseudomonas sp., Proteus sp. and Coliforms. Fungal contaminants include, Aspergillus sp., Penicillium sp., Fusarium sp. and Cephalosporium sp.

Major health concerns of bacterial and fungal Contaminated metalworking fluids include skin irritation, allergic contact dermatitis, irritation of the eyes, nose and throat, and, occasionally, breathing difficulties such as bronchitis and asthma. Learn more about contamination of metalworking fluids.

Indoor Air Quality: Biological Pollutants

Indoor air quality is compromised by both biological and non-biological pollutants. Sources of biological pollutants include microorganisms, animal, insects and related organisms.

The most common biological pollutants of indoor air quality include molds and their byproducts, dust mites, pet dander (scales from hair, feathers, or skin), droppings and body parts from cockroaches, rodents and other pests or insects, viruses, and bacteria. Due to their small size, many of these biological pollutants are airborne and easily inhaled deep into the lungs.

Health Effects From Poor Indoor Air Quality

Some biological pollutants may cause serious health problems including hypersensitivity pneumonitis, allergic rhinitis, and some types of asthma. Other health problems attributed to biological pollutants are sneezing, watery eyes, coughing, shortness of breath, dizziness, lethargy, fever, and digestive problems.

It is believed allergic reactions occur only after repeated exposure to a specific biological allergen. The reaction may occur immediately upon re-exposure or after multiple exposures over time. It’s important to regularly monitor the indoor air quality.

Salmonella food poisoning and symptoms

Salmonella food poisoning has been a growing concern in recent news. It has frequently lead to recalls of beef, salads and organic products and, even peanut butter products. Salmonella food poisoning occurs when one eats raw or undercooked foods such meat, poultry, eggs or egg products. Properly cooked food can get contaminated with Salmonella if […]

Legionella pneumophila – Guidelines for Laboratory Interpretation

Legionella pneumophila is a Gram negative, aerobic bacteria that is characterized as an opportunistic pathogen. It is the cause of Legionnaires’ Disease, a severe form of pneumonia and, it is the cause of Pontiac fever, a non-pneumonic form of L. pneumophila infection. Legionella spp.’s mode of transmission is through aerosols or aspiration of contaminated water. The Public Health […]

The Indoor Mold Is An Early Warning Device

The mold (or mould, in the Queen’s English) has been the victim of a bad press. Mention the word and it conjures up an image of something rotting or in the process of decomposition. And yet, were it not for the mold that inspired the discovery of penicillin millions of lives would have been lost. […]