Scientists swab beach bums’ bums for superbugs

Shayne Jacopian for redOrbit.com – @ShayneJacopian
British scientists are asking beach bums to allow their bums to be swabbed—for science!
Researchers from the University of Exeter Medical School are studying the effects of antibiotic resistant bacteria present in ocean water on those who swallow a lot of it. Surfers fit that bill, and the scientists are looking for 300 surfer rectums to swab for bacteria.
“We know that surfers regularly swallow lots more seawater than other beach users—around 170 ml per session, which is more than ten times that of sea swimmers,” lead researcher Anne Leonard from the European Centre for Environment and Human Health at Exeter University told BBC News.
“We’ve already shown that this water may contain antibiotic-resistant bacteria but we have no idea how this might affect the microbes that live in our guts, or how it could impact upon health.”
By studying the guts of surfers, the researchers hope to gain a better understanding of how superbugs present in the environment can affect humans’ digestive tracts and, in turn, immune systems.
The project, perfectly named “Beach Bums” (yes!), is a collaboration between the University of Exeter Medical School and the environmental charity Surfers Against Sewage.
“Whilst water quality has improved dramatically in the last 20 years, coastal waters can still be contaminated by sewage from both animals and humans, introducing billions of potentially harmful bacteria into the ocean environment,” Andy Cummins from Surfers Against Sewage told BBC.
“We will give this data to the scientists to find out if there is elevated risk of being exposed to antibiotic-resistant microbes for water users. This can give us a more informed approach.”
If you’re British, surf or body board at least three times a month, and are really “anal” about water quality, you can take part by emailing [email protected] to get a Beach Bum kit, collecting a sample, and completing a short questionnaire.
—–
Follow redOrbit on Twitter, Facebook, Google+, Instagram and Pinterest.