Bacteria And Viruses You Can Catch From Using Public Bathrooms

E Coli

Escherichia Coli (E.Coli) is a gram-negative rod that is transmitted through the fecal-oral route. Public bathrooms are the perfect playground for germs, this this rod-shaped bacterium included. E. Coli tends to cling to nonporous surfaces and can be transmitted via contaminated water and food.  E. Coli is part of our normal intestinal flora. In fact, in our large intestine, it contributes to the formation of vitamin K. However, if you are exposed to it from an external source, it won’t be so good to you: it is a common cause of infections.

Shigella

Shigella is probably one of the most potent gram-negative rods to cause bacterial infections. You only need few colonies to more or less confine you to the bathroom for days. The bacteria is passed on through contaminated feces and, thanks to unwashed hands, through your foods and drinks as well.

And if you happen to be generous and share your meals with your mates, they will get infected too. This is one of the reasons why Shigellosis is one of the most common bacterial and diarrheal infections in day cares and public settings — children tend to share their toys, meals, and a whole lot more. That's why it's so important to get your kids to wash their hands properly. 

The main reason why shigella is such a dangerous bacterium is because of its virulence factors. The bacterium adheres tightly to the intestinal cells, stimulates proliferation of our immune cells (white blood cells), and stimulates mucus production from mucus-secreting cells in the intestines — and all of this yields a detrimental reaction within hours. It is very important to isolate the affected individual and insist on fluid intake, because diarrhea causes dehydration.

Streptococci

Thirty-nine percent of toilet seats are infested with streptococci. This bacterial family includes some bacteria that are present on our skin as part of the normal flora. The main mechanism through which they cause infection is if there is a break in the skin, affecting skin integrity and allowing the bacterium to penetrate in the blood. Diseases caused by streptococcal bacteria include the so common “strep throat”, scarlet fever, erysipelas, pharyngitis and in worst cases, necrotizing fasciitis (“flesh-eating bacteria”).

See Also: Persistent Bacterial Infections And Resistance To Antibiotics

Staphylococci

This is a bacterial group that is very similar to streptococci from which it differs by mainly one factor: the catalase reaction. Staphylococci possess the catalase enzyme which has the ability to break down hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen. Hydrogen peroxide is a common toxic product used by our body to kill bacteria. Some staphylococci (Staphylococcus Aureus, Staphylococcus Epidermidis) are normally present on our skin's surface, and would only cause a disease if there is even the slightest break (cut, wound, puncture, etc.) on the skin.

Norovirus

Norovirus is a single stranded RNA virus that belongs to the Caliciviridae family. Unlike some other viruses, it is not protected by an enveloped (thus said “unenveloped”). Just like E. Coli, this virus is notorious for severe episodes of diarrhea, but of the non-bloody type. The episodes tend to last from a couple of days to two to three weeks.