Interesting research shows that brass and other copper metal alloy surfaces kill bacteria and degrade their DNA much better than stainless steel or plastic.
Plastic and stainless steel surfaces, which are now widely used in hospitals and public settings, allow bacteria to survive and spread when people touch them.
Even if the bacteria die, DNA that gives them resistance to antibiotics can survive and be passed on to other bacteria on these surfaces. Copper and brass, however, can kill the bacteria and also destroy this DNA.
— Grey (2012): Fit brass fixtures to cut superbugs, say scientists in The Telegraph.