Klarinet Archive - Posting 000806.txt from 1997/03

From: "Diane Karius, Ph.D." <dikarius@-----.EDU>
Subj: more on bugs
Date: Mon, 24 Mar 1997 15:12:53 -0500

After consultation with an immunologist, a microbiologist, and a
biochemist:
Regarding the posts about how hydrogen peroxide won't work on aerobes
(like strep): It WILL work on many - hydrogen peroxide kills bugs by
releasing a oxygen that is extremely reactive (called a "free
radical" - this is not the type of oxygen we breathe). This is very
dangerous to tissues, bugs etc... and is why Hydrogen per. is so
effective. (to give you an example: One form of Lou Gerhigs'
Disease (ALS) has now been linked to a mutation in the gene that
produces an exyme that deals with these free radicals in the neurons
innervating muscle). Some bacteria have an enzyme
called "peroxidase" or "catalase" that either prevents the formation
of the free radical (catalase) or limits the free radical's damage
("peroxidase").
Regardless of whether or not the bug has either of these
enzymes, we all agreed on one thing: standard mouthpiece care will
limit/prevent the chances of any of these surviving on your
mouthpiece in between practices. 1. Dry the mouthpiece out as best as
you can (I rinse mine out with water before drying). 2. Those
little mouthpiece savers are nice for drying the thing out, but don't
leave them in the mouthpiece in between practices - they are damp and
will provide a place for the bugs to grow (the only exception might
be if you dry the mouthpiece out with something else and then stick
it in so the strings are dry). 3. Clean the mouthpiece out with
soap and water regularly (I do it once a week - just stick the
mouthpiece in soapy water (the new antibacterial soaps will do nicely
if your worried), then dry etc...
Sorry for the dissertation.
Diane R. Karius, Ph.D.
Department of Physiology
University of Health Sciences
2105 Independence Ave.
Kansas City, MO 64124
email: dikarius@-----.EDU