Study Findings:
Showerheads and toothbrushes contain a wide variety of viruses.
Most of these viruses have not been previously identified.
These viruses target bacteria, not humans.
Bacteriophage:
Bacteriophage are viruses that infect and replicate inside bacteria.
They have potential for treating antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections.
The study's findings could be valuable for exploring these applications.
The study was published in the journal Frontiers in Microbiomes.
The researchers found a large number of viruses.
The study highlights the untapped biodiversity in our everyday environments.
Researchers collected samples from showerheads and toothbrushes.
Concerns about flushing toilet aerosols inspired the toothbrush study.
Mycobacteriophage:
A mycobacteriophage is a member of a group of bacteriophages known to have mycobacteria as host bacterial species
The researchers found more mycobacteriophage than other types of phage.
Mycobacteriophage infect mycobacteria, which cause diseases like leprosy, tuberculosis, and chronic lung infections.
Researchers could potentially harness mycobacteriophage to treat these infections.
Hygiene Recommendations:
Vinegar soak or soap and water: To remove calcium buildup and clean showerheads.
Regular toothbrush replacement: Regularly replace toothbrush heads.
No need for bleach: The researchers caution against excessive use of bleach.
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