E. Coli, MRSA bacteria can survive for days in airplane seats

  • 10 years ago
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A study by researchers at Auburn University has revealed that potentially deadly bacteria such as E. Coli and MRSA can survive for days inside planes, including on seats, tables and window shades.

Scientists inoculated actual plane seats, seat pockets, armrests, tables, window shades and toilet flushers with MRSA and E. Coli bacteria. They then simulated the conditions of a pressurized cabin at 75 degrees Fahrenheit and 20% humidity.

The MRSA bacteria was found to be able to survive 7 days on a cloth seat pocket, 6 days on a leather seat and rubber armrest, 5 days on window shades and tables, and 4 days on a metal toilet flusher. Meanwhile, E. Coli survived 4 days on a rubber armrest, 3 days on a table and 2 days on a metal flusher.

Researchers discovered bacteria could survive more easily in porous material, as they are protected from dehydration, UV and disinfectants. However, such material also made the bacteria harder to transfer. Bacteria on non-porous surfaces such as tables, flushers and window shades were much more easily transferred.

Michael Schmidt, a professor of microbiology and immunology at the Medical University of South Carolina, said the best thing people can do to protect themselves when flying is to bring sanitizer to clean their hands before putting anything in their mouths.

"After I wipe my hands, I use the rest of the alcohol wipe to wipe down the tabletop, just in case I touch it and inadvertently eat something," Schmidt said.

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