New bacteria contaminate hairspray
Scientists in Japan have discovered a new species of bacteria that can live in hairspray, according to the results of a study published in the March issue of the International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology.
鈥淐ontamination of cosmetic products is rare but some products may be unable to suppress the growth of certain bacteria,鈥� says Dr Bakir from the Japan Collection of Microorganisms, Saitama, Japan. 鈥淲e discovered a new species of bacteria called Microbacterium hatanonis, which we found contaminates hairspray.鈥�
鈥淲e also found a related species, Microbacterium oxydans in hairspray which was originally isolated from hospital material. Microbacterium species have been identified in milk, cheese, beef, eggs and even in the blood of patients with leukaemia, on catheters and in bone marrow.鈥�
The scientists looked at the appearance and diet of the bacterium, then analysed its genome to show that it is an entirely new species. 鈥淚t has been named in honour of Dr Kazunori Hatano, for his contribution to the understanding of the genus Microbacterium,鈥� says Dr Bakir. Microbacterium hatanonis is rod-shaped and grows best at 30掳C and pH neutral.
Scientists now need to determine the clinical importance of the new species, as similar bacteria have been found to infect humans. 鈥淔urther testing will establish whether the species is a threat to human health,鈥� says Dr Bakir. 鈥淲e hope our study will benefit the formulation of hairspray to prevent contamination in the future.鈥�
Source: Society for General Microbiology
