How many types of bacteria live on the human hand?

Answer 1

I read about this today! The answer is 182!!! Sometimes more, sometimes less, but that's the average on a healthy hand.
Not all bad bacteria mind you, but it's a funny thought to think of all those wriggly microbes living on your skin.

Answer 2

The number 182 is Identified Bacteria Species found on the skin of the entire body of six (6, one half dozen) healthy people who were known to the Professors of Medicine in New York.

The actual number of species found only on the hands (one of the dirtiest parts of the body) of a typical human is more likely 500 plus. (500 to 600 are known to exist in the mouth and many humans put their fingers in their mouths during the day). This does not include other microbes like fungi and yeasts.

The majority of these are not pathogenic. The American public seems to have been sold the concept of "nasty germs" and is spending billions of dollars every year with no real health benefit.

Any antibiotic which can kill 100% of all microbes on the human hands will also start to damage the skin cells.

Answer 3

At any given time, approx. 3000 subspecies of between 100-150 various species of bacteria depending on how clean or dirty your hands are.
Hope that helps anybody who wants to know. I'm a microbiologist. :)