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Microbes in the Environment
"[The] ability to inactivate microbes in the environment on a continuous basis is important because bacteria, including MRSA, can survive in a variety of conditions for long periods of time and can spread via dust particles, clothing, furniture, or hospital equipment that have been in contact with infected patients..."
Dr. Charles P. Gerba PhD
Professor of Environmental Microbiology
University of Arizona
Bacillus sp. forming a biofilm. Biofilms are primarily accumulations of bacteria in aqueous environments. They form when bacteria secrete slimy, mucilaginous materials that provide the microorganisms with a means of attachment to moist surfaces. Biofilm microorganisms often prefer the phase boundaries in moist environments. Biofilms can form on many different kinds of materials such as inorganic soil particles, animal and plant surfaces, plastics, metals, medical devices, etc. Biofilms can be created by a single bacterial species but often contain many species of bacteria along with fungi, protozoa, algae, and organic / inorganic debris. Biofilm microorganisms carry out a variety of detrimental or beneficial reactions under certain environmental conditions.
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Copyright Dennis Kunkel Microscopy, Inc.
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For permission to license and use this image, please contact Dennis Kunkel:
Dennis Kunkel Microscopy, Inc.
P.O. Box 2008
Kailua, HI 96734
Phone: 808-263-0583
Email: kunkel@denniskunkel.com
www.denniskunkel.com
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