Dishwashers contain pathogenic fungi

• April 25, 2024

A study conducted by the University of Ljubljana , Slovenia, points out that a potentially pathogenic and resistant fungus lives in many common household appliances, such as dishwashers, washing machines and coffee machines.

The study that was led by the Slovenian microbiologist Nina Gunde-Cimerman , focused on the dishwashers where they live, for the humid and warm environment of this device, the fungi Exophiala dermatitidis Y E. phaemuriformis, which showed an unusual tolerance to heat, high salt concentrations, aggressive detergents and both acidic and alkaline water.

The research that was published in the British magazine Fungal Biology, said that the invasion of these black mushrooms in the home it represents a serious risk to health; Various fungi were found in 62% of the dishwashers analyzed in 101 households on 6 continents.

In 56% were present Exophiala dermatitidis Y E. phaemuriformis, yeast poliextremotolerantes black that can cause infections, especially in people immunosuppressed or weak, such as the elderly and children: "Until now it was not known that these fungi lived in the dishwasher and also seems to have evolved and can form new genotypes in these appliances" said Gunde-Cimerman.

The mushrooms , which at first appear as a black mold, proliferate in combination with different detergents, on rubber stamps and soap caissons, said the scientist. However, he clarified that although the analyzes continue, it is known that they can infect people when they are ingested, they remain on washed dishes and utensils.

Until now the alternative, concluded Gunde-Cimerman, is to use higher temperatures for washing and change the gums of the dishwasher and that manufacturers design an additional program in vacuum that allows to disinfect the appliance at very high temperatures. Do you have a dishwasher? what will you do with it?