The persistence of Staphylococcus aureus, or staph, on items like bedding is a common concern. Understanding how long this common bacterium can survive outside the human body is important. Knowing its environmental resilience helps maintain a healthy home environment and reduce potential infections.
Understanding Staph and Its Relevance
Staphylococcus aureus is a type of bacteria commonly found on human skin and in the nasal passages. While often present without causing harm, it can become an opportunistic pathogen. Infections occur when the bacteria enter the body, typically through breaks in the skin like cuts or abrasions.
Staph can cause a range of infections, from mild skin conditions like boils, impetigo, and cellulitis, to more severe issues. These include food poisoning, and invasive illnesses such as pneumonia, bone infections, heart valve infections, and toxic shock syndrome.
Factors Affecting Staph Survival
Several environmental conditions influence how long Staphylococcus aureus remains viable outside a living host. Temperature plays a significant role; staph generally thrives in moderate temperatures, and its survival can be reduced in extreme heat or cold.
Humidity also affects bacterial persistence. Moderate humidity levels can prolong staph’s survival, while very dry or excessively high humidity can shorten its viability on surfaces. The presence of organic matter, such as shed skin cells, sweat, or dust, provides nutrients and a protective environment for the bacteria. The type of surface material is also a factor, with porous fabrics sometimes offering more protection than non-porous surfaces.
Staph Survival on Bedding
Staphylococcus aureus can survive for notable periods on inanimate surfaces, including various bedding materials. Research indicates that staph can persist on fabrics for days to several weeks, with specific durations varying based on environmental factors and the type of material.
On cotton fabrics, Staphylococcus aureus has been shown to survive for up to 21 days, and even up to 8 weeks in some studies. For polyester materials, survival times can be longer, ranging from a few days to several weeks, with some studies demonstrating survival for up to 56 days or even up to 29 weeks. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), a more challenging strain, has been found to live on a blanket for over six months and on a cotton towel for up to nine weeks.
Cleaning and Prevention for Bedding Hygiene
Maintaining bedding hygiene is an important step in managing the presence of Staphylococcus aureus. Regular washing of bedding is recommended to remove bacteria and reduce the risk of transmission. Using hot water, if suitable for the fabric type, is effective; washing at 60°C (140°F) for at least 10 minutes can significantly reduce bacterial loads.
Laundry detergents contribute to bacterial removal, and bleach is a powerful agent for bleach-safe materials. Thorough drying in a warm or hot dryer is also important, as the heat helps to eliminate any remaining bacteria.
Beyond washing, broader preventive measures include avoiding the sharing of personal items like towels and clothing. Practicing good personal hygiene, such as frequent hand washing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, and keeping any cuts or scrapes covered, further minimizes the spread of staph to bedding. When handling dirty laundry, it is advisable to keep it away from your body to prevent bacterial transfer.