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Dr. Andrew Rynne
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Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

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Can Stool Pathogen Enterobacter Cloacae Grow On My Toothbrush?

if the stool pathogen Enterobacter cloacae can grow on my toothbrush, why am I not getting sick? If I bite the side of my cheek and then i am brushing my teeth with this bacteria-laden toothbrush, why is this bacteria not infecting me, yet it is cause for such serious infections in hospitals?
Mon, 1 Sep 2014
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Internal Medicine Specialist,  's  Response

Hi,

Thank you for your query. I can understand your concerns.



Enterobacter cloacae is a member of the normal gut flora of many humans and is not usually a primary pathogen. In other words,it is a commensal or friendly organism having a a symbiotic relationship in which one organism derives benefit while causing little or no harm to the others.Few healthy humans are colonized, but the percentage increases significantly with long term care facility residence or hospitalization. Colonization is an important prelude to infection.Individuals who have previously received antibiotic treatment, have comorbid disease, and are being treated in ICUs are at greatest risk for infection.Since you are otherwise healthy,you are unlikely to get any infection,even if this organism has grown on your toothbrush




Regards

Dr. T.K. Biswas M.D.
Mumbai

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Can Stool Pathogen Enterobacter Cloacae Grow On My Toothbrush?

Hi, Thank you for your query. I can understand your concerns. Enterobacter cloacae is a member of the normal gut flora of many humans and is not usually a primary pathogen. In other words,it is a commensal or friendly organism having a a symbiotic relationship in which one organism derives benefit while causing little or no harm to the others.Few healthy humans are colonized, but the percentage increases significantly with long term care facility residence or hospitalization. Colonization is an important prelude to infection.Individuals who have previously received antibiotic treatment, have comorbid disease, and are being treated in ICUs are at greatest risk for infection.Since you are otherwise healthy,you are unlikely to get any infection,even if this organism has grown on your toothbrush Regards Dr. T.K. Biswas M.D. Mumbai