Prevalence of Bacterial Flora Associated with Earphones Used Among Students of University of Tripoli, Libya

Abstract

Background: The majority of students today are more fascinated by new technology. The most trending digital appliance among students is headphones. The use of earphones has become more and more popular among students this can easily be a vector of possible pathogens that can give rise to serious disease. Objective: This study was conducted to determine the bacterial contamination on earphones and external ear of students and to assess the awareness amongst the students of the importance of cleaning earphones. Methods: The study was performed at University of Tripoli from June to September 2020. A total of 50 swabs were collected from student’s ear canal and earphone. The samples were cultured according to the standard microbiological procedures. Isolates were identified by conventional identification methods. The questionnaire was submitted to all participants to collect information on the extent of usage of earphones. Results: The results showed that the most isolated organisms were gram-positive bacteria which were found in 48(96%) ear canal, and 46(92%) earphones of the students.; Gram-negative was detected in 2(4%) and 4(8%) of the ear canal, and earphone, respectively. Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis was the most frequently identified microorganisms. Conclusion: This study showed that earphones are potential carriers for the spread of many pathogens. Frequent and constant use of earphones increases the bacterial growth in the ear and sharing of earphones that may be able to produce serious disease. It is advised to maintain earphones clean and not to share.