Researchers analyzing handrails and other surfaces in the London Underground found an astonishing variety of bacteria that get there by way of human feces, rats, mice, and sewage. Some are even associated with antibiotic-resistant infections.

While the researchers reassure readers that the bacteria won’t be able to get through to most people with healthy immune systems just through skin contact, immunocompromised people, and those who visit people who are, should be extra-careful with hygiene after passing through.

In response to the study, a London transport health and safety director argued that the Tube is not significantly dirtier than any other public place in London, which might not be comforting, but it sounds about right.

As far as the number of unique bacteria found, the New York metro blew London out of the water by the measurements of one study. It mostly paints a similar picture of pathogens that are usually riding around with us in quantities too small to do us harm, but there are some additional residents: New York is ruled by a type of bacteria that’s used to clean up toxic metals from wastewater. Benevolent bacteria used to ferment kimchi and age cheese also like to tag along with metro riders.

In one statistic that's so ominous it's almost funny, researchers also found an abundance of DNA that didn’t match any identifiable organism.