Studies link lupus to staph bacteria

The staphylcoccus aureus bacteria
may be linked to lupus
Image: FreeDigitalPhotos

Research recently conducted by the Mayo Clinic points to the possibility that the Staphylococcus aureus bacteria (known commonly as staph) may be connected to the development of lupus disease.

In a study using mice, researchers exposed the rodents to low doses of a staph protein over a period of time. The mice developed auto-antibodies and a kidney disease along with lupus-like symptoms, which lead doctors to believe this may also occur with humans.

A little background

Staph bacteria are located all around us. They live on our skin, but are in higher concentrations around moist openings, such as the nose and mouth.  People are only put at risk when there is a break in the skin where the bacteria can get in and cause an infection.

Many of you may have heard of staph infection break-outs in hospitals. Those who are most affected are usually burn victims, people who have a weakened immune system or patients who have undergone surgery. In those serious situations, the bacteria enter the bloodstream resulting in more dangerous infections.

Lupus is an autoimmune disease that is suspected to be genetic in some way, although why people develop lupus is still very unclear. There are a few different forms of the disease, the most dangerous one being systemic lupus erythematosus or SLE. In each of the cases, the body turns on itself by attacking its own tissue and joints. For people with discoid lupus, the skin becomes inflamed, but with SLE, the body can attack the organs.

What the research means

The fact that the mice have reacted to a protein in the staph bacteria may not only help doctors determine what causes lupus, but might also help them keep people from developing the disease. By determining whether or not the disease is caused by prolonged exposure to staph, doctors may help patients avoid flare-ups. In addition, if it is proven that the staph bacteria causes lupus, doctors could keep lupus from developing at all by minimizing exposure to the staph bacteria.

What do you think about this study? Share your thoughts with us!

Source: EurekAlert!

How air purifiers can help

Any of these AllerAir units
(4000, 5000, 6000)
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Air purifiers can keep the indoor air quality healthy for you and your family.  AllerAir’s units are used for many different purposes, including chemical exposure, odors and particles. But our air purifiers also have a UV germicidal filter option that can help minimize the presence of bacteria and mold in the air. The UV lamp alters the bacteria’s DNA, thereby hindering reproduction.

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Specific bacteria tied to mold, indoor water damage

Mold-infested homes can expose inhabitants to
specific strains of bacteria, researchers found.

Water infiltration in buildings often leads to bacterial contamination, which can cause health problems such as infection, respiratory conditions, aggravated asthma and more.

New research by University of Cincinnati (UC) researchers has identified which specific bacteria are responsible for the health problems, potentially opening the doors for health officials to develop the right tools for treatment.

The UC environmental health research team identified two specific strains of bacteria (Stenotrophomonas and Mycobacterium) in indoor mold from water damage.

Part of the researchers’ mandate is to shed some light on role of indoor bacteria on human health to protect children and other vulnerable groups from the health effects.

It has been very difficult for scientists to determine which types of bacteria are growing in homes, so any advancement will be a step in the right direction.

The researchers analyzed samples from 42 homes from the Cincinnati Childhood Allergy and Air Pollution Study, a National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences-funded project examining the long-term effects of environmental exposures on respiratory health and allergy development in children.

The homes with higher levels of mold also had higher levels of the two strains of bacteria.

Stenotrophomonas is a multidrug-resistant microorganism that poses an inhalation hazard to homeowners and family members.

Source: University of Cincinnati Academic Health Center

Air purifiers for mold and microorganisms

Mold, bacteria, viruses – together with other indoor air pollutants, these microorganisms can have a major impact on people’s health and well-being.

Ultraviolet rays help neutralize
biological contaminants.

While the source of the water infiltration problem needs to be addressed, an air purifier with the right types of air purification systems can help provide cleaner and healthier air in homes and offices.

AllerAir has developed a range of air purifiers for mold as well as air purifiers for allergies and asthma.

For best results, these air purifiers should be equipped with UV germicidal filtration lamps to neutralize mold spores, bacteria and viruses, a medical-grade HEPA filter to remove biological particles as well as other fine particles and a deep-bed activated carbon filter for chemicals, gases and odors as well as mold mycotoxins.

Contact AllerAir for more information and options.

Please note: The information contained herein is not meant to diagnose, mitigate, prevent, treat or cure a disease or condition. It may be necessary to consult a physician.

Is your vacuum cleaner polluting the air?

Some vacuum cleaners release fine dust and bacteria into
the air, a new study shows. Photo credit: Heather

Vacuum cleaners have become an invaluable tool for home cleaning – but they may not be as good as you think.

A new study shows that some vacuum cleaners actually contribute to poor indoor air quality by releasing bacteria and dust back into the air. These could spread infections and trigger allergies, the researchers say.

The scientists tested 21 vacuum cleaners from 11 manufacturers, which are marketed for household and commercial use. The vacuum cleaners were between 6 months and 22 years old and cost between $100 to almost $800.

The researchers found that all of the vacuum cleaners released some fine dust and bacteria into the air.

Even the vacuums with HEPA filters released only slightly lower levels of dust and bacteria.

Older and less expensive models contributed more to the indoor air pollution than newer and more expensive vacuum cleaners.

The study appeared in ACS’ journal Environmental Science & Technology.

Source: American Chemical Society press release

Improve indoor air quality around the clock

Along with regular cleaning, source control and ventilation, a powerful air purifier can help keep the air clean and healthy.

AllerAir specializes in personalized air purifiers with a multistage filter system for optimum performance:

1. A large activated carbon filter to remove many chemicals, gases and odors
2. A HEPA filter to trap particles and dust
3. UV germicidal filtration

The portable air purifiers can easily be moved from room to room, and they are designed for around-the-clock operation.

Choose between general purpose air purifiers, air cleaners for asthma and allergies (with optimal design and filtration for particle concerns) and more specializations, or contact an AllerAir IAQ expert for even more personalized service and options.