Liza Mellon is a self-proclaimed germophobe who’s careful about everything her children touch. “I hope and think we’re one of the most germ-free families around,” declares the mother of four, who has them using anti-bacterial scrub multiple times a day. But, as Liza teaches them to avoid germs, she’s overlooking a major offender. “If most women knew what was growing on their purse they’d probably throw it away,” says Connie Morbach, a scientist and germ expert.

In fact, after examining Liza's purse in a lab, Connie reveals: “I’m sorry Liza. This was probably the worst purse I’ve ever tested.” Traces found on the purse included:

Pantoea: Connie says this is associated with urinary tract infections and intestinal infections. “Some of the places you might find it might be on a park bench. Definitely not something we want to carry home and put on our kitchen counters.”

E.Coli: “This is an organism that is found in animal and human feces, definitely not what we expect to find on a purse, and can be quite dangerous. Some of the strains have been deadly,” Connie says.

Yeast: “They can cause oral infections, yeast infections in adults,” Connie says. “We might find it on a park bench if it’s wet, particularly in a shaded area.”

Staphylococcus: “Could be dangerous if it happens to be an antibiotic resistant form of staff. It can cause some pretty serious infections,” Connie says.

But, she adds, “There are things we can do.”

Keep pursues off the floor: Connie says they won't be exposed to as mamy germs if you keep them off the floor especially in a restroom or restaurant.

Carry a hook: You'll always have a spot above the floor for your purse if you bring a hook.

Use anti-bacterial wipes: If you do need to place your bag on a park bench or in a grocery store cart where juices may drip from turkey and chicken packs, Connie suggests using an anti-bacterial wipe if the bag is leather. “Wipe it off. Make it part of the day,” she instructs. “Would you walk on your kitchen counter before you made dinner? Probably not, but if your purse has been sitting on the floor in a restroom, in a restaurant, or on a grocery cart where food has spilled ... it’s the same as carrying those items home and serving them for dinner.”

For cloth purses she suggests using Febreze antimicrobial spray but says the best approach is to wash your bag.

Liza takes in the advice, and will have a fresh start as she abandons her old bag. Rachael gives her a new purse from Dooney & Burke and starts her off with a good habit. She says while the bag was initially sitting on the carpet, “we vacuumed up first.”