In a surprising discovery, American scientists have identified more than 600 previously unknown viruses in bathroom samples, including from showerheads and toothbrushes! While this may sound alarming, the good news is that these viruses are not harmful to humans—in fact, many may even be beneficial. Curious to learn more? Dive into the details of this unexpected finding!
In the research conducted in the United States, samples were collected from 96 showerheads and 34 toothbrushes from various bathrooms. When these samples were examined, 614 viruses were observed, leaving the scientific community astonished at the 'untouched biological diversity' in bathrooms. Moreover, many of these viruses are likely new to science!
Erica Hartmann, a professor of microbiology at Northwestern University and the study's lead author, said, 'The number of viruses we found is absolutely crazy.'
These viruses do not harm humans, but instead provide benefits. They are made up of bacteriophages, or 'phages', which infect bacterial cells. According to scientists' initial findings, these newly discovered viruses could be useful in developing treatments against antibiotic-resistant superbugs! In fact, scientists are working on 'phage therapies', where viruses are used to complement or replace traditional antibiotics, overcoming dangerous bacteria's defenses.
Initially begun as a project to understand 'what kinds of microbes live in our homes,' the study has opened doors to new research. Hartmann emphasized the biological diversity revealed by the 614 viruses, saying, 'There was essentially no overlap in virus types between showerheads and toothbrushes. Each showerhead and each toothbrush is like its own little island. This highlights the incredible diversity of viruses there.'
Hartmann said, 'Microbes are everywhere, and the vast majority of them are not going to make us sick.' She also hinted at future research, stating, 'We can imagine taking these mycobacteriophages and using them as a way to clean pathogens out of your plumbing system.'