Deadly microbes may breed in THIS common home appliance. Here's all you need to know

In a concerning study, the researchers have found deadly radiation-resistant microbes lurking in microwaves. This observation has become a cause of concern for many people who use microwaves regularly either for preparing their meals or heating a cup of tea.

Spain-based startup Darwin Bioprospecting Excellence SL's researchers found radiation-resistant microbes breeding inside microwaves.

As per the team, several of these strains of microbes can prove deadly to humans.

"Some species of genera found in domestic microwaves, such as Klebsiella, Enterococcus and Aeromonas, may pose a risk to human health," said Daniel Torrent, who is one of the authors of the study.

In earlier studies, it was found that microbes existed in various weird habitats which included marine oil spills, industrial brownfields, as well as the International Space Station (ISS). However, till now it remained unclear what kind of germs can be discovered inside microwaves.

The microbes found in 30 microwaves were sampled in the study by the team, 10 of which were from single-household kitchens, 10 were from scientific laboratories and 10 were from shared domestic spaces like cafeterias.

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In the samples analysed, the experts found 747 different genera of microbes present inside 25 bacterial phyla. However, such strains varied significantly amid different locations.

"Domestic microwaves have a more 'anthropized'microbiome, similar to kitchen surfaces, while laboratory microwaves harbour bacteria that are more resistant to radiation," Torrent said.

In the single-household kitchens, the main genera of microbes found were Acinetobacter, Bhargavaea, Brevibacterium, Brevundimonas, Dermacoccus, Klebsiella, Pantoea, Pseudoxanthomonas and Rhizobium.

Meanwhile, in shared-domestic microwaves, they found microbes like Arthrobacter, Enterobacter, Janibacter, Methylobacterium, Neobacillus, Nocardioides, Novosphingobium, Paenibacillus, Peribacillus, Planococcus, Rothia, Sporosarcina, and Terribacillus.

How these microbes can be dangerous for humans?

According to the study, many of these microbes like Klebsiella, Enterococcus and Aeromonas can prove dangerous to humans.

Klebsiella species can lead to a range of healthcare-associated infections like bloodstream infections, pneumonia, meningitis and wound or surgical site infections.

Meanwhile, Enterococcus can lead to a range of illnesses which include bloodstream infections, wound infections and urinary tract infections.

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Aeromonas also has been linked to cellulitis, gastrointestinal infections, kidney disease and meningitis.

Based on the findings, the researchers appealed tothe people to ensure that their microwaves are regularly deep cleaned.

"We recommend regularly disinfecting microwaves with a diluted bleach solution or a commercially available disinfectant spray," said Torrent.

"In addition, it is important to wipe down the interior surfaces with a damp cloth after each use to remove any residue and to clean up spills immediately to prevent the growth of bacteria," he added.

(With inputs from agencies)