That’s the density of microbial growth—laden with pathogens—in a typical kitchen sponge. For all the disgusting details, see this Nature report by German (emphasis on “germ”) researchers at the Institute of Applied Microbiology in Geissen.
I came across this while searching internet for advice on what to do about the off-putting sponges laying about the sink in our office, which no one will clean—the tragedy of the commons. The study says that sanitation by boiling or microwave kills most of the bacteria. However, because that bad actors are more hardy, the end result over time may be a more sickening microbiome. The only solution is to replace sponges regularly—at least every week according to this Today show guidance. They suggest that between times you wash your sponges in hot, soapy water, microwave them for one minute, or put them in the dishwasher. After reading the Nature report I am tempted to do all three sanitation procedures, or just quit using sponges.