Jakarta, CNN Indonesia —
Sink drains that are commonly used as a place for washing dishes and washing hands pose a potential hazard to man. The reason is that this location can be a place for the development of hundreds of fungi that can trigger it pathology.
Experts from the University of Reading and the UK’s Center for Ecology and Hydrology discovered this after examining 250 “community sink pipe molds” living in sink pipes in the toilets of 20 main buildings in the complex of the campus. As a result, experts found that there were 375 genera of mushrooms of various classes, orders and families.
On average, this sink is used for washing hands. Users also have diverse backgrounds and come from different populations across the campus complex.
As a result, anyone can be exposed to microbes when using the sink.
“We spend 90 percent of our time indoors. So, we’re exposed to mold at home or at work,” said Soon Gyeon of the University of Reading, who led the study. ScienceAlert.
“For most people, this isn’t a significant problem. But for those who are immunocompromised, some species of fungi can cause serious infections,” he added.
In his study, Gweon found that sink drains are a comfortable habitat for mold due to humidity, fluctuating temperatures, high pH levels, and ingrained buildup of various materials.
The fungi found in sink drains also have a strong resistance. This is because they are often exposed to hot water, acidity levels and different food availability.
This is because humans usually throw soap, washing powder, and food scraps into them. One of the most commonly found mushroom genera by experts is Exophiala or black yeast.
‘Exophiala species can be considered opportunistic pathogens that can cause skin and superficial infections. They may not pose a high risk, but fatal systemic infections due to the fungus have been documented,’ the experts wrote.
These experts have published the results of their research in journals Environmental DNA. Experts have found that the average mushroom that lives in the sink has similarities.
“The most interesting thing about our findings is that there are very few differences in microbial community between these buildings. While we can’t pinpoint which variables explain this, we assume that most of the sinks on campus are used for handwashing. and are rigorously sanitized.” , “he wrote her.
In addition to Exophiala, the experts also found the dominant mushroom type Ascomycota. Saccharomyces, Fusarium and Malassezia types of fungi have also been found.
“This study demonstrates the novel exploration of fungal communities in public sink drains and underscores their important role as a reservoir (development center) for possible pathogenic fungi, underlining the importance of further research to study this ecosystem,” he said.
(leth)
