Dangerous Fungus Found in Dishwashers

Many dish washing machines are contaminated with dangerous types of fungus, including at least 2 types that have evolved to survive extreme conditions. A new report from the British Mycological Society shows that a "black yeast" fungus called Exophiala dermatitidis and a related fungus called E. phaeomuriformis were found in samples taken from nearly 200 different homes in 6 continents.

Both are known to be dangerous to human health, capable of causing systemic disease in people. They can even colonize the lungs of some sick people. They "extremophile" organisms that aren't killed by very hot water, high temperatures, soaps or detergents, dish rinsing salts, acidic water, OR alkaline water. Many of the contaminated dishwashers had fungus growing on the rubber door seals.

Experts say that it's not clear if these "super" fungi pose a serious threat to human health. But they also say it's extremely important to do further research, especially because of risks of "genetic mingling" creating even more dangerous organisms.

According to the British report:

"The co-existence of different genotypes of the same species possibly enables genetic recombination, resulting into new genotypes with unknown pathogenic potential."

Oh, and by the way, other microscopic (and potentially dangerous) organisms found in the dishwashing machines include: Candida, Aspergillus, Magnusiomyces, Fusarium, Penicillium and Rhodotorula groups. Fun!

We say: Great, another superbug to worry about. Also, another germ that can (hopefully) be killed by MMS/chlorine dioxide!

Learn some mo': New research finds harmful fungal pathogens living in dishwasher seals

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