Latest news with #Serratiamarcescens
Indian Express
08-05-2025
- Health
- Indian Express
Is pink slime taking over your bathroom? Expert explains the cause and solution
If you've noticed a pinkish slime or residue on bathroom surfaces, you're not alone. This common substance often appears around sinks, shower walls, and bathtubs, and many assume it's a type of mould. However, according to content creator Dr Karan Rajan, 'If you've seen this pink slime lurking in your bathroom, it's not mould, it's bacteria… specifically one called Serratia marcescens.' This bacteria thrives in moist, humid environments, making bathrooms an ideal habitat. To shed light on the nature of this pinkish slime and how best to manage it, we spoke to Dr Jagadish Hiremath, a public health intellectual, who shared valuable insights on this commonly misunderstood household issue. 'Serratia marcescens is a type of bacteria commonly found in moist environments like bathrooms. It's recognisable by its pink or reddish hue, which often appears as a slimy film on surfaces such as shower walls, tile grout, and around sinks. This bacterium thrives in damp, humid areas with a constant supply of organic matter, which it feeds on. In bathrooms, sources of organic nutrients may come from soap scum, shampoo residue, and even the oils from our skin, making these surfaces ideal for bacterial growth,' informs Dr Hiremath. The distinct pink colour results from a pigment called prodigiosin, he adds, which Serratia marcescens produces under certain conditions. 'Bathrooms, especially those with inadequate ventilation, create an ideal breeding ground for this bacteria. Research in Applied and Environmental Microbiology highlights that warm, moist environments combined with limited air circulation allow Serratia marcescens to grow and spread, making it a common sight in bathrooms.' Dr Hiremath states, 'For most healthy individuals, brief exposure to Serratia marcescens is typically low-risk, but the bacteria can pose certain health concerns, particularly for people with compromised immune systems.' The risks are relatively lower in-home bathrooms, but exposure should still be minimized, especially in households with infants, elderly individuals, or those with weakened immune systems. 'Regular exposure to the bacteria through contact with contaminated surfaces or inhaling airborne particles during a shower can lead to skin irritation, mild respiratory symptoms, or, in rare cases, infections. Practicing good hygiene and regularly cleaning surfaces can greatly reduce any health risks associated with Serratia marcescens,' says Dr Hiremath. Here are some effective cleaning strategies, according to Dr Hiremath: Vinegar and Baking Soda: Create a baking soda and water paste, scrub the affected area, then rinse with vinegar. The chemical reaction helps loosen the bacteria and remove residue. Bleach Solution: Diluting bleach in water (about 1 part bleach to 10 parts water) is an effective disinfectant. Scrub the affected areas with this solution, then rinse thoroughly. Hydrogen Peroxide Spray: Hydrogen peroxide has antibacterial properties that can help kill Serratia marcescens. Spray a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution on affected areas, let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse off. Keep surfaces dry: Maintaining dry surfaces as much as possible also helps. Serratia marcescens thrive in moisture, so drying surfaces after each use, ensuring proper ventilation, and reducing overall humidity are essential.
Zawya
09-03-2025
- Health
- Zawya
WCM-Q students present research projects at annual poster event
Doha – First-year pre-medical students at Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar (WCM-Q) showcased their biology laboratory research findings on the antimicrobial effect of herbs, spices and other natural substances at the annual poster presentation event. The event was the culmination of two semesters of research where the students were provided with a choice of four different species of bacteria, and were required to investigate the effect based on bacteria's response, and determine the possible mechanism at play in these extracts that inhibits the growth of bacteria. A total of 53 students, divided into groups of three, worked together to execute the research projects from beginning to end, demonstrating their ability to conduct and communicate science. Altogether, 18 posters were presented, where the students reviewed literature, formulated a question and hypothesis, conducted experiments in the laboratory, and analyzed the data. The students then wrote a short synopsis of their findings and presented it in a poster manner to their fellow students and faculty. Some of the posters will be showcased at the Doctors of the Future Conference, a gathering of educational leaders and future medical students that is scheduled to take place on April 11-12, 2025 and organized by WCM-Q. Dr. Kuei-Chiu Chen, professor of biology, said: 'We are committed to helping students master the essential skills of research. We focus on enabling them to critically evaluate scientific literature, conduct thorough statistical analyses on their data, draw insightful conclusions, and effectively communicate their findings.' Reema Al-Emadi, Maryam Alghanem, and Khalid Al-Thani presented a poster on the inhibitory effect of Senna alexandrina (senna leaves), Euterpe oleracea (açaí fruit), and Lepidium sativum (cress seeds) on opportunistic pathogens — Serratia marcescens and Corynebacterium amycolatum. Reema Al-Emadi said: 'There is a growing challenge of antimicrobial resistance, and there is a need for natural and sustainable alternatives to synthetic antibiotics. While plant-based antimicrobials are well-studied, the knowledge to their effectiveness against Serratia marcescens and Corynebacterium amycolatum is limited. Therefore, our study aimed to research less investigated bacterial species to reveal antimicrobial properties of senna leaves, açaí fruit, and cress seeds, and to see their potential as natural antimicrobials to reduce reliance on synthetic antibiotics and combat resistant infections effectively.' The findings highlight the antimicrobial potential of plant-based compounds and their ability to target different bacterial structures. Nour Alqubbaj, Maryam Sohail, and Dongeun Lee presented their poster, titled 'The Antibacterial effects of Vitex agnus-castus paste on Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aures, Serratia marcescens (red strain), and Corynebacterium amycolatum.' Maryam Sohail said: 'We used Vitex agnus-castus (chaste tree) as an antimicrobial agent against Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria strains. Traditionally, the plant has been used in many cultures to treat pre-menstrual and post-menopausal symptoms. Our results showed that vitex has much potential in the pharmaceutical industry to combat antimicrobial resistance.' Students Aiza Tanveer Hassan, Dounia Baroudi, and Hyeonjeong Oh presented a poster about their research investigating the antibacterial activity of lime, apple, and kiwi extracts on Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. They chose to study the bacteria because they are found in the intestines, and the fruits are part of the daily diet of many households. The trio concluded that pH is not the only factor inhibiting the growth of bacteria — other components, like flavonoids, may also play a role. Other student research projects investigated the antimicrobial effects of tarragon, ashwagandha, red pepper, coriander, mustard seeds, oregano, kumquat, cumin seeds, and oils found in eucalyptus and tea tree, among others. WCM-Q student projects are educational assignments, and the findings should not be considered clinical trials or medical guidance on the effectiveness of various remedies. About Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar is a partnership between Cornell University and Qatar Foundation. It offers a comprehensive Six-Year Medical Program leading to the Cornell University M.D. degree with teaching by Cornell and Weill Cornell faculty and by physicians at Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), Sidra Medicine, the Primary Health Care Corporation, and Aspetar Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Hospital, who hold Weill Cornell appointments. Through its biomedical research program, WCM-Q is building a sustainable research community in Qatar while advancing basic science and clinical research. Through its medical college, WCM-Q seeks to provide the finest education possible for medical students, to improve health care both now and for future generations, and to provide high quality health care to the Qatari population. For more info, please contact: Hanan Lakkis Associate Director, Media and Publications Weill Cornell Medicine - Qatar hyl2004@
Yahoo
04-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Posts baselessly link influenza symptoms to 'toxic' fog
People across social media reported experiencing "flu-like" symptoms in February, linking their illnesses to a "toxic" fog in their area. The claims first gained traction at the end of 2024 under the hashtag "fogvid" (archived here) -- and resurfaced in February. Recent posts went as far as claiming a lab in Florida tested air samples and found traces of Serratia marcescens, a bacteria reportedly tested during a US Navy experiment (archived here) on the San Francisco coast in 1950. But no evidence has been provided to support the claims. "Florida has one of the nation's most comprehensive air quality monitoring networks, designed to provide the public with accurate data on air pollutants regulated under the Clean Air Act," said Alexandra Kucht, communications director for the state's Department of Environmental Protection, on February 27. "We are not aware of any air quality data supporting" claims shared on social media, she told AFP. Fog most often forms (archived here) when the air is stagnant and cold. "Fog is simply a shallow cloud made up of condensed water vapor," UCLA climate scientist, Daniel Swain told AFP on February 27 (archived here). It regularly forms in Florida and other parts of the United States. Some posts suggested the fog was not natural and bore signs of weather manipulation. But Swain said that much of the dense fogs seen recently are formed under "exactly the kinds of ambient atmospheric conditions that would be most likely to produce them." For people with conditions such as asthma or heart disease, additional particles trapped in the air by fog can have health impacts, but Swain said: "There is no biological/physiological mechanism by which ordinary fog could cause flu-like illness." In contrast, the United States did see high flu case counts in February (archived here). The current flu season has been classified as "high severity" -- the first since 2017-2018 -- by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), impacting all age groups (archived here). Most patients show symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, and body aches, mirroring what the social media posts describe (archived here). The rise in seasonal flu cases is "likely due to the circulation of common influenza viruses, which tend to vary in prevalence and severity each year," Edwin Michael (archived here), professor at the Center for Global Health Infectious Disease Research for the University of South Florida, told AFP on February 27. Florida has seen a notable increase in flu cases compared to previous seasons, he said. Additionally, five states reported a growing number of Covid-19 infections in February (archived here) and reports of respiratory syncytial virus, which also leads to congestion, peaked in February (archived here). The posts further complain about the smell of the fog (archived here). Experts AFP talked to said that while fog itself does not have a noticeable scent, it can carry airborne particles -- sometimes visible to the naked eye -- such as sea salt, pollen, pollution, or industrial emissions, which in turn give the air an odor. The high humidity and condensed water droplets within the fog can also intensify other ambient smells, such as smoke. There are other situations where fog can trap pollutants, said Amy Stuart, an environmental health and science professor at the University of South Florida (archived here). A historical example of this phenomenon is the Great Smog of London in 1952 (archived here), when an extended period of cold, stable weather combined with very high pollution from factories, homes, and vehicles yielded what was described as a "toxic fog." In this case, a normal fog turned deadly due to the pollution of millions of coal heaters, which produced acidic water droplets in the air and impacted people with already compromised respiratory systems, resulting in thousands of deaths and illnesses in the span of a few days. "The combination of coal smoke and fog in that event gave rise to the word 'smog,'" said Jon Martin (archived here) as atmospheric and oceanic sciences professor from University of Wisconsin-Madison told AFP on January 2. However, the recent claims of a "heavy metal" fog are "ludicrous," he said. In 2024, a fire at a chemical plant in the state of Georgia caused the release of a toxic plume that, when mixed with high humidity in the air, created a fog that affected the health of local residents for months (archived here). However, there is no evidence of any similar industrial accidents occurring recently. AFP has debunked other social media posts baselessly alleging that toxic chemicals and biological weapons are released in US skies.
Yahoo
03-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Posts baselessly link influenza symptoms to 'toxic' fog
People across social media reported experiencing "flu-like" symptoms in February, linking their illnesses to a "toxic" fog in their area. The claims first gained traction at the end of 2024 under the hashtag "fogvid" (archived here) -- and resurfaced in February. Recent posts went as far as claiming a lab in Florida tested air samples and found traces of Serratia marcescens, a bacteria reportedly tested during a US Navy experiment (archived here) on the San Francisco coast in 1950. But no evidence has been provided to support the claims. "Florida has one of the nation's most comprehensive air quality monitoring networks, designed to provide the public with accurate data on air pollutants regulated under the Clean Air Act," said Alexandra Kucht, communications director for the state's Department of Environmental Protection, on February 27. "We are not aware of any air quality data supporting" claims shared on social media, she told AFP. Fog most often forms (archived here) when the air is stagnant and cold. "Fog is simply a shallow cloud made up of condensed water vapor," UCLA climate scientist, Daniel Swain told AFP on February 27 (archived here). It regularly forms in Florida and other parts of the United States. Some posts suggested the fog was not natural and bore signs of weather manipulation. But Swain said that much of the dense fogs seen recently are formed under "exactly the kinds of ambient atmospheric conditions that would be most likely to produce them." For people with conditions such as asthma or heart disease, additional particles trapped in the air by fog can have health impacts, but Swain said: "There is no biological/physiological mechanism by which ordinary fog could cause flu-like illness." In contrast, the United States did see high flu case counts in February (archived here). The current flu season has been classified as "high severity" -- the first since 2017-2018 -- by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), impacting all age groups (archived here). Most patients show symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, and body aches, mirroring what the social media posts describe (archived here). The rise in seasonal flu cases is "likely due to the circulation of common influenza viruses, which tend to vary in prevalence and severity each year," Edwin Michael (archived here), professor at the Center for Global Health Infectious Disease Research for the University of South Florida, told AFP on February 27. Florida has seen a notable increase in flu cases compared to previous seasons, he said. Additionally, five states reported a growing number of Covid-19 infections in February (archived here) and reports of respiratory syncytial virus, which also leads to congestion, peaked in February (archived here). The posts further complain about the smell of the fog (archived here). Experts AFP talked to said that while fog itself does not have a noticeable scent, it can carry airborne particles -- sometimes visible to the naked eye -- such as sea salt, pollen, pollution, or industrial emissions, which in turn give the air an odor. The high humidity and condensed water droplets within the fog can also intensify other ambient smells, such as smoke. There are other situations where fog can trap pollutants, said Amy Stuart, an environmental health and science professor at the University of South Florida (archived here). A historical example of this phenomenon is the Great Smog of London in 1952 (archived here), when an extended period of cold, stable weather combined with very high pollution from factories, homes, and vehicles yielded what was described as a "toxic fog." In this case, a normal fog turned deadly due to the pollution of millions of coal heaters, which produced acidic water droplets in the air and impacted people with already compromised respiratory systems, resulting in thousands of deaths and illnesses in the span of a few days. "The combination of coal smoke and fog in that event gave rise to the word 'smog,'" said Jon Martin (archived here) as atmospheric and oceanic sciences professor from University of Wisconsin-Madison told AFP on January 2. However, the recent claims of a "heavy metal" fog are "ludicrous," he said. In 2024, a fire at a chemical plant in the state of Georgia caused the release of a toxic plume that, when mixed with high humidity in the air, created a fog that affected the health of local residents for months (archived here). However, there is no evidence of any similar industrial accidents occurring recently. AFP has debunked other social media posts baselessly alleging that toxic chemicals and biological weapons are released in US skies.
AFP
03-03-2025
- Health
- AFP
Posts baselessly link influenza symptoms to 'toxic' fog
People across social media reported experiencing "flu-like" symptoms in February, linking their illnesses to a "toxic" fog in their area. The claims first gained traction at the end of 2024 under the hashtag "fogvid" (archived here) -- and resurfaced in February. Image A screenshot of an Instagram post taken on February 28, 2025 Recent posts went as far as claiming a lab in Florida tested air samples and found traces of Serratia marcescens, a bacteria reportedly tested during a US Navy experiment (archived here) on the San Francisco coast in 1950. But no evidence has been provided to support the claims. "Florida has one of the nation's most comprehensive air quality monitoring networks, designed to provide the public with accurate data on air pollutants regulated under the Clean Air Act," said Alexandra Kucht, communications director for the state's Department of Environmental Protection, on February 27. "We are not aware of any air quality data supporting" claims shared on social media, she told 'High severity' flu season Fog most often forms (archived here) when the air is stagnant and cold. "Fog is simply a shallow cloud made up of condensed water vapor," UCLA climate scientist, Daniel Swain told AFP on February 27 (archived here). It regularly forms in Florida and other parts of the United States. For people with conditions such as asthma or heart disease, additional particles trapped in the air by fog can have health impacts, but Swain said: "There is no biological/physiological mechanism by which ordinary fog could cause flu-like illness." trast, the United States did see high flu case counts in February (archived here). The current flu season has been classified as "high severity" -- the first since 2017-2018 -- by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), impacting all age groups (archived here). Most patients show symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, and body aches, mirroring what the social media posts describe (archived here). The rise in seasonal flu cases is "likely due to the circulation of common influenza viruses, which tend to vary in prevalence and severity each year," Edwin Michael (archived here), professor at the Center for Global Health Infectious Disease Research for the University of South Florida, told AFP on February 27. Florida has seen a notable increase in flu cases compared to previous seasons, he said. Additionally, five states reported a growing number of Covid-19 infections in February (archived here) and reports of respiratory syncytial virus, which also leads to congestion, peaked in February (archived here). Unusual smell The posts further complain about the smell of the fog (archived here). Experts AFP talked to said that while fog itself does not have a noticeable scent, it can carry airborne particles -- sometimes visible to the naked eye -- such as sea salt, pollen, pollution, or industrial emissions, which in turn give the air an odor. The high humidity and condensed water droplets within the fog can also intensify other ambient smells, such as smoke. are other situations where fog can trap pollutants, said Amy Stuart, an environmental health and science professor at the University of South Florida (archived here). A historical example of this phenomenon is the Great Smog of London in 1952 (archived here), when an extended period of cold, stable weather combined with very high pollution from factories, homes, and vehicles yielded what was described as a "toxic fog." In this case, a normal fog turned deadly due to the pollution of millions of coal heaters, which produced acidic water droplets in the air and impacted people with already compromised respiratory systems, resulting in thousands of deaths and illnesses in the span of a few days. "The combination of coal smoke and fog in that event gave rise to the word 'smog,'" said Jon Martin (archived here) as atmospheric and oceanic sciences professor from University of Wisconsin-Madison told AFP he said. In 2024, a fire at a chemical plant in the state of Georgia caused the release of a toxic plume that, when mixed with high humidity in the air, created a fog that affected the health of local residents for months (archived here). However, there is no evidence of any similar industrial accidents occurring recently. AFP has debunked other social media posts baselessly alleging that toxic chemicals and biological weapons are released in US skies.
