How did we ever last this long?  As the occurrence of allergies. asthma and immune diseases rises, but just in wealthy countries, the idea that we are trying to keep kids too clean - the hygiene hypothesis - has gotten public attention.

Now a study claims if your child plays in instrument in music classes and does not have the instrument sterilized, they could be at risk.   This will not do a lot for music class funding since schools would rather cut those programs that incur lawsuits if a child gets sick and a study shows the instrument may have done it.

Woodwind and brass instruments were found to be heavily contaminated with a variety of bacteria and fungi, many of which are associated with minor to serious infectious and allergic diseases, according to a study published in the March/April 2011 issue of General Dentistry.   A total of 117 different sites, including the mouthpieces, internal chambers, and cases, were tested on 13 previously played instruments of a high school band. Six of the instruments had been played within a week of testing, while seven hadn't been touched in about one month. The instruments produced 442 different bacteria, many of which were species of Staphylococcus, which can cause staph infections. Additionally, 58 molds and 19 yeasts were identified.

"Many children participate in their school's band ensemble and often the instruments they play are on loan," said R. Thomas Glass, DDS, PhD, lead author of the study. "Most of these instruments have been played by other students, and without the proper sanitation, bacteria and fungi can thrive for weeks and even months after the last use.   Parents may not realize that the mold in their child's instrument could contribute to the development of asthma.

Additionally, they note, the yeasts on the instruments may cause skin infections around the mouth and lips ("red lips").

The researchers found that many of the bacteria can cause illness in humans and are highly resistant to the antibiotics normally prescribed by general practitioners - thus the need for sterilization.

"Instruments should be cleaned after each use to reduce the number of organisms," said AGD spokesperson Cynthia Sherwood, DDS, FAGD.  "And cleaning should not be confined to the mouthpiece, since the bacteria invade the entire instrument."

To avoid transmission of bacteria from instrument to player, parents and students should frequently wipe the surface of the instrument that comes into contact with the skin and mouth, they say. The instrument should be taken apart for thorough cleanings on a regular basis.   Glass suggests using cleaning cloths and solutions made specifically for instruments. Most importantly, they advise students not to share their instruments with others.