do soil samples contain infectious particles such as viruses, bacteria and fungi?

Answer 1

Yes. Not stuff that's going to kill you or anything, but without these organisms soil can't function and is considered "dead"

Answer 2

It depends on where the soil sample is taken; you're more likely to find bacteria and fungi than viruses, as viruses are so dependent on their hosts. Bacteria and fungi both need moisture to survive, so moist soil would be more ideal than dryer samples, alothough spores can survive when conditions are less than deal... also take into account the specific components of the soil, such as decayed matter and fecal matter, which may contain infectious microbes.

If you walk around barefoot you won't likely get any infection; the problem happens when you ingest somethign that has been contaminated with soil microbes (as in not washing your hands after handling dirt and then handling food) or if you have a cut and the microbes infect that... One such microbe, Clostridium perfringens, has spores that can thrive in soil that can cause gas gangrene if infecting a wound or can cause food poisoning.

Answer 3

Yes and no. Soil sample contain all sorts of organic and inorganic matter, the organic matter could be in various stages of decomposition. This requires all sorts of bacteria, fungi, and viruses.

The "infectious" portion is arguable. They are infectious to dead material. That is how they propagate. To make new compost, you always mix some soil with it exactly for these microbes.

The question is what is the source of the soil sample. Most soil samples are from gardens or farmland to determine organic level, pH, nitrates, phosphates, mineral content, etc. Most soil from the U.S. is "clean". But you also get soil samples from farms where animals (sheeps and deer) have died from scrapie. These are sent to special labs for prion detection. You also have soil samples from mineral minds or chemical dumps -- usually not infectious.

Answer 4

Yes, more so for bacteria and fungi. Viruses typically need a host or carrier (such as animals, humans) to thrive. Viruses can survive in not-so-ideal conditions though. Whereas bacteria can thrive in organic matter (so does fungi).

Answer 5

Soil microorganisms consist of animals such as algae, viruses, insects, earthworms, protozoa, arthropods, bacteria, fungi, and nematodes. They carry out numerous biological functions such as organic decomposition, create humus, suppress pathogens, and improve soil properties

Answer 6

They might not be infectious, but most bacteria is found in the soil.

Answer 7

boy i'll say...antrax, samonella, cat pee, and one time I grew a birds nest mushroom from a load of dirch plywood sawdust in the gadern bed right between my toes, no s%$t looked neat...grew overnight...yes I had a bath, but everything wants a home,also penicillin and that ilk, it's a microbiolgical party!

Answer 8

yep, many types of rashes can be made by contact with dirt

gardeners, beach goers, grave diggers ;)~ are all prone to disease and fungi unless they wash up thoughly afterwards

Answer 9

yes