>Users:   login   |  register       > email     > people    


Does Bacteria Talk? Yup They Do
By Robert Kravitz, President AlturaSolutions
Published: 03/18/2019

Bacteria As many readers of this column know, protecting the health of corrections inmates and staff is a frequently discussed topic. As a former cleaning contractor and frequent writer for the cleaning industry for decades, I assumed that at one time or another, I had covered nearly all of the most important cleaning-related and health-related topics pertinent to the corrections industry.

Well, I was wrong. I recently learned about a new topic that will allow me to help corrections administrators keep their facilities even healthier, and that is biofilm.

View biofilm as a house made by and for microorganisms such as bacteria. Biofilm can form seemingly anywhere, from our mouths (in the form of dental plaque) to bodies of water (pond scum) to the surfaces of pacemakers and prosthetics. *

A fascinating fact is that during the construction of the biofilm, which is usually so small it cannot be seen by the naked eye, scientists tell us that the bacteria carpenters talk to each other.

According to Montana State University:

“For any community to succeed, there must be good communication among its members. Biofilm communities appear to be no different. There is evidence that chemical signals, produced by cells and passed through the outer membranes [of the bacteria], may be interpreted not just by members of the same cell species, but by other microbial species that are part of the same biofilm community. The sensing of these chemical signals by neighboring cells in the biofilm can cause the neighboring cells to behave differently.”

Wow. So now we know bacteria can talk, at least in their own way. We also mentioned they can be so small we cannot see them, but they still can spread disease, which is our big concern.

Here are a few more things we should know about these bacteria colonies:
  • The film they create acts as a protective shield. It protects the bacteria from heat, cold, ultraviolet light, and antibacterial drugs.
  • They thrive in damp areas such as showers, leaking faucets, damp utility rooms, and floor mop sinks. These are the sinks used to fill mop buckets. Very often cleaning workers, whether staff or inmates, leave mops in the floor mop sink when their work is completed. Because the mop is damp—as is the sink area—this is a perfect breeding ground for biofilm.
  • Older correctional facilities may have more issues with biofilm than newer facilities. This is because older locations may have more tile and grout surfaces, porous surfaces, and floor and wall crevices and openings, often the result of age.
  • Many types of disinfectants will not kill biofilm. The disinfectant cannot penetrate the shield the biofilm has created. In many cases, the only way disinfectants can eradicate the bacteria is if the protective film has in some way become torn or removed from the surface.
This last point brings up one of the key components of professional cleaning, which is agitation. In most cases, whether cleaning carpets, walls, fixtures, or floors, the surface must be agitated with a brush, cleaning cloth, or mop, usually treated with a cleaning solution, to loosen germs and bacteria from surfaces.

Once this is done, some areas will likely need to be rinsed, to remove chemical residue and wash away the grime. This is followed by using a disinfectant to kill the remaining pathogens on the same surfaces.

So, it appears that agitation is key to the removal of biofilm.

What if we suspect or know, as a result of using different testing platforms, that biofilm is located on the walls or floor of showers? What if tests reveal it is on the walls, floors, and surfaces in the kitchen?

In the past this has meant that staff or inmates would need to agitate these areas by hand. Remember, it is the agitation that helps remove and eliminate biofilm, not cleaning solutions or disinfectants alone. This can be a very involved, cumbersome, time-consuming task in a correctional facility, made even more difficult because we cannot see if the steps and methods taken are actually proving useful.

However, newer technologies in the professional cleaning industry offer solutions, according to Marc Ferguson, international business development manager for Kaivac, a leading manufacturer of professional cleaning equipment.

“We really do not want to touch surfaces that may host biofilm,” says Ferguson. “Doing so opens the door to biofilm attaching to our hands. This can be serious because this can spread disease.”

What Ferguson suggests is the use of no-touch cleaning systems, also known as spray-and-vac cleaning equipment. These machines apply cleaning solution to walls, floors, and surfaces. Once applied, the cleaning solution begins to dissolve germs and bacteria and can help penetrate the biofilm coating.

“But it is the second step in the process that is the most effective,” says Ferguson. “Those same surfaces are then rinsed with high-pressure water. This provides the agitation needed to remove the biofilm from those surfaces.”

The final step in the cleaning process, Ferguson adds, is to vacuum up the cleaning solution, moisture, soils, and contaminants, which are now on the floor. “This is key. We need to get everything vacuumed up, especially if the objective is to remove biofilm.”

Now, I am proud to say I have brought something quite relevant to the attention of correctional administrators that I had to learn about myself. Further, I am glad I was able to offer a way to address this issue to once again help protect the health of staff and inmates in correctional facilities.

* Source: https://www.livescience.com/57295-biofilms.html

Robert Kravitz is a frequent writer for the professional cleaning and corrections industries.


Comments:

  1. digitinc on 04/30/2020:

    I enjoy reading your article. I like to write a little comment ecommerce portal development company to support you. I just stumbled upon your blog and wanted to say that I have really enjoyed reading your blog posts. Thank you for sharing.

  2. digitinc on 04/25/2020:

    This post is very informative on this topic. I always prefer to read quality and glad I attained this thing in games news your post. It is one of the best posts that I have read in a long time. Thanks a lot for this good post.

  3. digitinc on 04/21/2020:

    Your post is very great. I really really love it. It's so good and so awesome. I assure this would be beneficial for most of the people. Thank you so much for this wonderful Post. растаможка товаров

  4. david on 03/31/2020:

    If you want a custom essay that is written professionally and can help you to score good marks, we can help you. Our essays assist you in making a good impression on the teacher.online Dissertation writing services uk

  5. hamiltonlindley on 03/18/2020:

    Hamilton loves his family of five and badminton. His favorite sports ball team is the McGregor Dodgeballers. He has worked as a foreman on a chain gang, and later in life he was an architect of skyscrapers and tunnels. He was forced to give up his career because he was terrible at math. Hamilton has a keen attention to detail. He enjoyed watching bowling on TV and spent most every weekend on the couch falling asleep. He was a demon at croquet. He also enjoyed war movies and baking shows. Hamilton Lindley is constantly helping others less fortunate and lending a helping hand for relatives and friends in need of encouraging words. He coaches different sports and provided guidance for people who needed it, and a few who didn’t want it.

  6. espn on 01/28/2020:

    espn.com/activate activate fox sports nbc sports activate canon.com/ijsetup espn.com/activate mcafee.com/activate nbcsports com activate quickbooks support roku.com/link roku.com/link garmin update youtube.com/activate office.com/setup garmin updates www.hulu.com/activate espn.com/activate activate starz pbs.org/activate espn.com/activate mumbai escorts mumbai escorts mumbai escorts roku.com/link trakt.tv/activate pluto.tv/activate xfinity.com/activate espn.com/activate espn.com/activate www.hulu.com/activate computer repair near me roku.com/link espn.com/activate Netflix.com/activate www.hulu.com/activate laptop repair near me mac repair near me phone repair near me iphone repair near me computer repair near me pluto.tv/activate trakt.tv/activate espn.com/activate youtube.com/activate

  7. digitinc on 01/27/2020:

    I am appreciative of your assistance and look forward 오션파라다이스게임 to your continuing to work on our account. I really appreciate the kind of topics you post here. Thank you for the post.

  8. digitinc on 01/12/2020:

    I'm happy to have you as a part أصباغ لماع ومطفي بدون رائحة بالكويت of this team. In a short time, you have been here, you have really helped to make things run smoothly. Thank you so much.

  9. yanikgull on 12/23/2019:

    Thank you So much If you Are Looking For Car Loans Oshawa

  10. yanikgull on 12/23/2019:

    Thank you for Sharing Nice Article I would Love to Read More and More thanks Love from Website Design in Oshawa

  11. michael on 12/15/2019:

    O yes its talk that is the reason we got diseases of different kind. Wiki management firm

  12. babaji on 12/14/2019:

    This is so much good article about bactias i was found this website from my friend. and this article give me the real thing that i was thinking and undertand me in a clear way.Love vashikaran specialist baba ji

  13. digitinc on 12/13/2019:

    I am grateful for your blog post. I truly believe ED Doctor Farmington these site requirements additional consideration. Thanks for the valuable information and insights you have so provided here.

  14. Drisrober on 11/08/2019:

    When I close my eyes The rising pupil My heart keeps getting cold I wanted to be forgotten If it's a dream, please wake up now I'm still looking at you I keep being choked Still far from I want to watch you super smash flash 2

  15. digitinc on 11/06/2019:

    This is just the information I am maui helicopter tours finding everywhere. I would like to thank for the efforts you have made in writing this post. Thanks for your blog, I just subscribe your blog.

  16. digitinc on 10/30/2019:

    The post is written in very a good manner and it contains Fremont Print shop much useful information for me. It is one of the most outstanding blogs in my opinion. Thank you very much.

  17. digitinc on 10/25/2019:

    I am grateful for your blog post. You will find a lot of approaches Range Parts after visiting your post. I stumbled upon your weblog and wished to say that I have truly enjoyed surfing around your blog posts. Thank you for sharing.

  18. digitinc on 10/19/2019:

    This is a wonderful content and Given so much corporate counsel info in it, These type of articles keeps the user's interest in the content. It is such a help for me you have made some good information. Thanks for sharing.

  19. digitinc on 10/12/2019:

    I was surfing the Internet for information and came across your blog. I am happy to find six sigma austin this post very useful for me, as it contains a lot of information. This is great content for your readers.

  20. digitinc on 10/07/2019:

    This article is an appealing wealth of useful amazon prime deals informative that is interesting and well-written. I just want to give an enormous thumbs up for the great info you have here on this post. Thank you for sharing.

  21. digitinc on 10/05/2019:

    Pretty good post. I just stumbled upon your blog and wanted to say that I have really enjoyed 릴게임 reading your blog post. Its a great pleasure reading your post. I'd really like to help appreciate it with the efforts you get with writing this post. Thanks for sharing.

  22. digitinc on 10/01/2019:

    This article gives the light in which we can 오션파라다이스 observe the reality. It’s a great pleasure reading your post. This is very nice one and gives information. Thank you for the post.

  23. digitinc on 10/01/2019:

    Thanks for sharing very useful information. Also, we are Meiyahg Metal Casting mold release agent the manufacturer, Supplier, and trader of high-performance ‘die casting lubricant manufacturers’.

  24. digitinc on 09/27/2019:

    You have done a great job on this article. Your work is very good and I appreciate this issue. Its a great pleasure reading your post. I'd really like to help appreciate it 릴게임 with the efforts you get with writing this post. You have some real writing talent. Thank you.

  25. digitinc on 09/25/2019:

    Thank you for helping people get the information. Your work is very good and I appreciate this issue. It’s a great 야마토 pleasure reading your post. I'd really like to help appreciate it with the efforts you get with writing this post.

  26. digitinc on 09/24/2019:

    This is a really very nice post you shared. It really makes Asian wedding cinematography Birmingham happy and I am satisfied with the arrangement of your post. Thank you for posting such a great article.

  27. digitinc on 09/18/2019:

    Your articles are inventive. I am looking forward to reading the plethora of articles that blackest black t-shirt you have linked here. Thank you for posting such a great article. Thanks for sharing this via your weblog.

  28. digitinc on 09/18/2019:

    An awesome web page and I will be 안전토토공원 once more for more great content. Thank you for posting such a great article. Thanks for sharing this via your weblog.

  29. digitinc on 09/13/2019:

    I have been looking for this information 토토공원추천 for a long time, I was very surprised when I found it here. Thank you for sharing this article. I should need to get more posts.

  30. digitinc on 09/08/2019:

    This article gives the light in which we can observe the reality. I am surely coming again for more wooden flooring cost content of yours. There is a sure way to create individual essays. am appreciating it very much! Looking forward to another great article.

  31. digitinc on 08/31/2019:

    Nice blog and absolutely outstanding. You have a figure skating quotes real ability for writing unique content. It was really good to work. I really like your thoughts. Thanks for the great info for the idea.

  32. digitinc on 08/30/2019:

    This is really very nice post you shared, I always Incentz.com prefer to read the quality and glad I found this thing in your post. Thank you for posting such a great article.

  33. digitinc on 08/08/2019:

    This really is educational content material. I expect that differing sell my house fast Florida peruses will in like way battle how I feel in the wake of examining your article. In your blog, everything is good. You may remark on the request arrangement of the blog.

  34. digitinc on 08/02/2019:

    I really appreciate this wonderful post that you have provided for us. I found your website perfect Paver for my needs. I truly like what you have acquired here, really like what you’re saying and the way in which you say it. Thank you for sharing this article.

  35. digitinc on 07/27/2019:

    Its a great pleasure explaining your post. The information here will surely be of some Melanotan 2 10MGS representatives to me. I just tripped simultaneous your blog and wanted to say that I have really enjoyed reading your blog stations. Thanks for sharing.

  36. digitinc on 07/23/2019:

    A very awesome blog post. We are really grateful for your blog post. You will discover a lot of entrances after visiting your post. I wanted to thank you for this websites! Thanks for sharing. Great websites! serviced apartments Bratislava

  37. digitinc on 07/18/2019:

    Great post, I must say and thanks for the information. hsc coaching Sydney I think this is an informative post and it is extremely beneficial and knowledgeable. Thank you for sharing. Looking to reading your next post.

  38. digitinc on 07/13/2019:

    This is a very informative content! I actually like what you have acquired here, extraordinarily like what you’re saying and the way in which you say it. eyemi You make it pleasant and you still take care of to keep it sensible. Thanks for sharing.

  39. duasinislam on 07/11/2019:

    Awesome post i must say and thanks for the information. Thanks again for providing us these unique guidelines it's actually helpful for each person. I appreciate your post and look forward to more. Jaldi rishta hone ki dua

  40. duasinislam on 07/10/2019:

    Thanks for sharing your piece of knowledge. The users available on the site will get best knowledge or information from you. Puspack is thanking you from the deep of his heart. dua for husband and wife

  41. duasinislam on 07/09/2019:

    I think these are important tips to Choose the Right Digital Agency. This Is Really Great Work. Thank You For Sharing Such A Good And Useful Information Here.  which surah to read for husband love

  42. digitinc on 07/01/2019:

    Thanks for explaining the important information to any of us. It was surprisingly delightful to work. I actually enjoy your thoughtfulness. I personally have your work.your article is very powerful and effective for us. Strafrecht köln

  43. digitinc on 06/23/2019:

    This part shows the circumstances in which we can explain it. This is a really large one and values in-depth knowledge. Thanks for this nice comment. Casting Calls

  44. digitinc on 06/22/2019:

    This low-calorie, ultra creamy iced coffee is the perfect way to get your iced-coffee fix, without any of the sugar or corn-syrup found in traditional coffee creamers. This one clocks in at only 50 calories. splenda creamer carbs

  45. BrodieMinogue on 06/12/2019:

    It is such a disaster. As per the insulation contractor brooklyn research there are many factors that could be the cause of downfall of the bridge. But the most prominent one seems to be the low quality of material used. It has caused such a disaster by taking the lives of human.

  46. digitinc on 05/28/2019:

    With thanks to get making the check here effort to discuss this, I am passionately in regards to this and therefore adore understanding extra for these types of arena. Don't you imagination replacing your blog posting by using supplemental comprehension? It should be seriously handy for all of us.

  47. Danielperez on 05/21/2019:

    "Bacteria can talk to each other," says Bonnie Bassler. "Not only can they talk, but they are multilingual." Daniel | ddos mitigation

  48. maddy.morgan on 05/14/2019:

    Wow! I never knew. Thanks for sharing. bed bug extermination kcmo

  49. elyelijah on 05/14/2019:

    If you want a custom essay that is written professionally and can help you to score good marks, we can help you. Our essays assist you in making a good impression on the teacher.online Dissertation writing services uk

  50. Chris889 on 04/25/2019:

    Bacteria can talk to each other via molecules they themselves produce. The phenomenon is called quorum sensing, and is important when an infection propagates. Now, researchers are showing how bacteria control processes in human cells the same way. Chris of columbia heating and cooling

  51. joshuaprice153 on 04/25/2019:

    I came here looking for an inspiration for my term paper and I got it alright. This article got the wheels on my mind turning and I was able to come up with a sensible idea for my paper! Thanks a bunch! Maid Service of Orlando

  52. michaeljames14 on 04/24/2019:

    Microbiology refers to a layer that lies outside the cell wall of bacteria. This layer is well organized and not easily washed off. best dissertation writing service uk

  53. mustafa on 04/23/2019:

    click here now

  54. lewis on 04/21/2019:

    Burger King is widely known for it’s tasty and delicious burgers. It was founded in 1953 in Florida, the US and now it has more than 15,000 outlets in the US alone and is spread to more than 100 countries in the world. mybkexperience | mcdvoice | dgcustomerfirst

  55. John mathew on 04/19/2019:

    best essay writing service [url=https://usawriters.org]best essay writing service[/url]

  56. cucynnenu on 03/31/2019:

    This is frequently discussed topic in the medical sectors.The australian writing service depicts that the bacteria can communicate each other. although this is difficult to believe on such a thing that is not visible to us.

  57. Roger Fox on 03/30/2019:

    This website and I conceive this internet site is really informative ! Keep on putting up! world4ufree.one

  58. joshuaprice153 on 03/23/2019:

    Thanks for keeping your content always fresh and containing only the necessary info. That means a lot to a busy mom like me. I didn't have lots of time to spare online but I still want to drop by and give you my appreciation. irrigation repair


Login to let us know what you think

User Name:   

Password:       


Forgot password?





correctsource logo




Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of The Corrections Connection User Agreement
The Corrections Connection ©. Copyright 1996 - 2024 © . All Rights Reserved | 15 Mill Wharf Plaza Scituate Mass. 02066 (617) 471 4445 Fax: (617) 608 9015