But when exposed to antimicrobial copper it became inactive in minutes

Bug typically survives for days on everyday items such as glass and steel

, called 229E, produces a range of respiratory symptoms from the common cold to pneumonia

Germ-busting copper could be the next weapon in the fight against deadly respiratory diseases such as pneumonia in hospitals.

The bug can survive for five days on everyday items such as tiles, glass, rubber and stainless steel, but 'antimicrobial copper' can kill it within a few minutes.

Now light switches, door handles and other surfaces could be replaced by copper, or copper alloys such as brass, after a study confirmed the metal's antibacterial properties.

Germ-busting copper could be the next weapon in the fight against deadly respiratory diseases such as pneumonia in hospitals. The bug can survive for five days on everyday items such as tiles, glass, rubber and stainless steel, but 'antimicrobial copper' (pictured) can kill it within a few minutes

The research was carried out at the University of Southampton by scientists studying the spread of so-called animal coronaviruses.

These coronaviruses 'host jump' to humans from the likes of pigs and birds and examples include severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS), which both cause severe infections with high death rates.

One, known as human coronavirus 229E, produces a range of respiratory symptoms from the common cold to more lethal pneumonia.

While human-to-human transmission is important, infections can be contracted by touching surfaces contaminated by 'respiratory droplets' from infected people, or hand touching.

On copper, and a range of copper alloys - collectively termed 'antimicrobial copper' - the coronavirus was rapidly inactivated within a few minutes for simulated fingertip contamination.

The research was carried out at the University of Southampton by scientists studying the spread of animal coronaviruses (pictured under a microscope). These coronaviruses 'host jump' to humans and examples include the deadly severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS)

Human coronavirus 229E (pictured) produces a range of respiratory symptoms from the common cold to more lethal pneumonia. On copper, and a range of copper alloys - collectively termed 'antimicrobial copper' - the coronavirus was rapidly inactivated within a few minutes for simulated fingertip contamination

During tests, exposure to copper destroyed the virus completely and irreversibly, leading the researchers to conclude that antimicrobial copper surfaces could be used in communal areas to help reduce the spread of respiratory viruses and protect public health.

USING SILVER TO KILL GERMS ON YOUR SMARTPHONE Your smartphone and tablet may look clean, but recent research found thousands of germs living on touchscreens that are capable of spreading sickness bugs and diarrhoea. To combat this filthy problem, Corning - the company behind the Gorilla Glass phone screens - has created an antibacterial display that kills bacteria on contact. The display is fitted with antibacterial agent ionic silver and is the world's first antimicrobial glass, capable of killing up to 99.9% of germs. Ionic silver is currently used in hospitals and has other medical uses. For example, silver has been incorporated into creams, plasters and dressings and as an antibiotic coating on medical devices. The silver ion is what's called 'bioactive' and can kill bacteria on contact. It is safe for human use and has a low toxicity. Advertisement

Previous research has found it is also effective against norovirus, influenza and hospital superbugs, such as MRSA and Klebsiella, as well as stopping the transfer of antibiotic resistance genes to other bacteria to create new superbugs.

Lead researcher Dr Sarah Warnes said: 'Transmission of infectious diseases via contaminated surfaces is far more important than was originally thought, and this includes viruses that cause respiratory infections.

'This is especially important when the infectious dose is low and just a few virus particles can initiate an infection.

'Human coronavirus, which also has ancestral links with bat-like viruses responsible for SARS and MERS, was found to be permanently and rapidly deactivated upon contact with copper.

'What's more, the viral genome and structure of the viral particles were destroyed, so nothing remained that could pass on an infection.

'With the lack of antiviral treatments, copper offers a measure that can help reduce the risk of these infections spreading.'

Professor Bill Keevil added: 'Respiratory viruses are responsible for more deaths, globally, than any other infectious agent.

'The evolution of new respiratory viruses, and the re-emergence of historic virulent strains, poses a significant threat to human health.

'The rapid inactivation and irreversible destruction of the virus observed on copper and copper alloy surfaces suggests that the incorporation of copper alloy surfaces - in conjunction with effective cleaning regimes and good clinical practice - could help control transmission of these viruses.'

The study was published in the journal mBio.