YOUR DIRTY LITTLE SECRET

As your handbag goes everywhere with you, and is often placed on the floor or on counters, it easily picks up germs. Microbiologists at the University of Wisconsin, US, have tested samples from hundreds of purses and handbags. And they have found some level of bacteria on each item— from pseudomona, staphylococcus aureus, E. coli, to salmonella. The scientists found that these bacteria can cause infection on skin and soft tissues, eyes, ears, bones, lungs and stomach. Rarely fatal, but the diseases they cause can create discomfort, along with fever, nausea, cough and diarrhoea.