Which type of bacteria would likely be found on your hands after touching various surfaces?

Transient bacteria are the type of bacteria that would likely be found on your hands after touching various surfaces. These bacteria are not a permanent part of the skin flora; instead, they can be picked up from the environment, such as when you touch doorknobs, shopping carts, or other surfaces that may be contaminated.

Transient bacteria can vary in composition based on what surfaces have been touched and are often associated with the potential for infection if they come into contact with susceptible areas, such as open wounds or mucous membranes. Regular hand hygiene practices, such as washing or using hand sanitizer, are important to remove these transient organisms and reduce the risk of infection.

In contrast, resident bacteria are typically found on the skin and are part of a person’s normal microbial flora. These bacteria are more resistant to removal and are usually harmless. Pathogenic bacteria can cause disease, but they don't always reside on the skin unless there's a specific contamination event. Commensal bacteria live on the skin and may have a beneficial relationship but are part of the resident flora rather than those acquired from surfaces.