Contamination Of Mobile Phones Research Articles

Effectiveness of Ultraviolet Radiation and Disinfectant Wipes in Reducing the Microbial Contamination of Mobile Phones in a Tertiary Care Hospital.

Background As mobile phones act as a potential source of microbial contamination, particularly in a hospital environment, the effectiveness of two most debated interventions namely ultraviolet radiation and disinfectant wipes in reducing the microbial contamination of mobile phones is compared. Objective To screen the mobile phones of healthcare personnel for the presence of microorganisms and to compare the effectiveness of ultraviolet radiation and disinfectant wipes in reducing microbial contamination. Methods and materials Pre-intervention and post-intervention swabs were collected before and after the use of each intervention respectively using 56 samples and cultured for growth in nutrient agar. Agar plates are subjected to quantitative analysis using bacterial colony count to reflect the efficacy of the specific intervention used. The data collected was entered in Microsoft Excel (Microsoft® Corp., Redmond, WA, USA) and analysis was done using standard statistical packages. Results While comparing the pre-intervention bacterial load with the post-intervention load, post-intervention bacterial contamination in terms of colony-forming units/CFU has drastically reduced after both interventions, which is validated by statistical significance. However, it was observed participants using disinfectant wipes as intervention had 2.07 times higher chance of having a low bacterial load which wasn't statistically significant. Conclusion Our study shows that with the use of any intervention from the above-mentioned interventions, bacterial loador bacterial contamination can be reduced significantly, thuspointing out that both ultraviolet radiation and disinfectant wipes are effective in reducing contamination of mobile phones. It was also found that male doctors have more bacterial load than females, which can be minimized by effectively changing behavioral habits.

Effectiveness of Disinfection with 70% Isopropyl Alcohol to Reduce Bacterial Contamination of Mobile Phones Carried by Medical Personnel in Baghdad Teaching Hospital

Mobile phones, despite their importance in daily life, can disseminate pathogens due to their frequent contact with hands. The purpose of the present study is to determine the prevalence of bacterial contamination on the mobile phones of healthcare personnel at the Baghdad Teaching Hospital, to identify the contaminating microorganisms, and to determine the preventive efficacy of 70% isopropyl alcohol. Sixty mobile phones from 40 physicians and 20 nurses were analyzed for microbial contamination. After collecting samples from each phone, they were disinfected with 70% isopropyl alcohol wipes and samples were recollected. Twenty four hours of aerobic and anaerobic incubation of agar plates at 37 °C. The results indicated that 34 (56.7%) out of 60 samples were contaminated with bacteria. Approximately 57.5% of the mobile phones used by physicians and 45% of those used by nurses contained microorganisms. Before disinfection, the most common bacteria found in mobile phones were coagulase-negative staphylococci, followed by Staphylococcus aureus, hemolytic (3.33%) and non-hemolytic (3.33%) Streptococci. While, E. coli and fungi contaminates were also found on mobile phone surfaces in equal percentage (6.67%). Following disinfection with 70% isopropyl alcohol, the number of bacteria was reduced to nil in 83.3% of the colonized mobile phones. This investigation demonstrated that commercially available, affordable and device safe wipes containing 70% isopropyl alcohol can significantly reduce mobile phone contamination. As a result, it is crucial for medical professionals to sterilize their mobile phones on a regular basis, as this can limit the dissemination of pathogens to patients and reduce the incidence of hospital acquired infections.

Frequency Survey of Bacterial Contamination of Mobile Cell Phones in General Population in Tehran, Iran

Background: Mobile smart phones have become increasingly integrated into the daily lives of individuals in society. Recent studies indicated the considerable role of these devices as reservoirs for various micro-organisms. The objective of this study was to assess the prev­alence of microbiological contamination of mobile phones in general population. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study included a large sample of mobile phones of gen­eral population Tehran in 2015. Samples for culture were collected from mobile phones and transported for microbiological identification based on standard laboratory methods. Results: Bacteriological analysis revealed that in total of 5220 sample retrieved, 5180 (98.9%) mobile phone devices were contaminated with bacteria. The most common microorganisms that were isolated include: Staphylococcus epidermidis (63.9), Escherichia coli (12.3%) and Staphylo­coccus aureus (11.4%). Conclusion: The prevalence of mobile phone contamination is high in general population in Tehran. Although most of the isolated organisms seemed to be non-patho­genic, their colonization may endanger certain populations particularly in health care settings. [GMJ.2016;5(2):70-74]

Bacterial contamination of healthcare workers’ mobile phones in Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundMobile phones are potential reservoirs for pathogens and sources of healthcare-associated infections. More microbes can be found on a mobile phone than on a man's lavatory seat, the sole of a shoe, or a door handle. When examining patients, frequent handling of mobile phones can spread bacteria. Nevertheless, evidence of bacterial contamination of mobile phones used by healthcare workers in Africa was inconclusive. Thus, this meta-analysis and systematic review was conducted to estimate the pooled prevalence of bacterial contamination of mobile phones used by healthcare workers and the most frequent bacterial isolates in Africa.MethodsWe systematically retrieved relevant studies using PubMed/MEDLINE, POPLINE, HINARI, Science Direct, Cochrane Library databases, and Google Scholar from July 1, 2023 to August 08, 2023. We included observational studies that reported the prevalence of bacterial contamination of mobile phones among healthcare workers. The DerSimonian–random Laird's effect model was used to calculate effect estimates for the pooled prevalence of bacterial contamination in mobile phones and a 95% confidence interval (CI).ResultsAmong 4544 retrieved studies, 26 eligible articles with a total sample size of 2,887 study participants were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of mobile phone bacterial contamination among healthcare workers was 84.5% (95% CI 81.7, 87.4%; I2 = 97.9%, p value < 0.001). The most dominant type of bacteria isolated in this review was coagulase-negative staphylococci (CONS) which accounted for 44.0% of the pooled contamination rate of mobile phones used by healthcare workers, followed by Staphylococcus aureus (31.3%), and Escherichia coli (10.7%).ConclusionsIn this review, the contamination of mobile phones used by HCWs with various bacterial isolates was shown to be considerable. The most prevalent bacteria isolates were coagulase-negative staphylococci, Staphylococcus aurous, and Escherichia coli. The prevalence of bacterial contamination in mobile phones varies by country and sub-region. Hence, healthcare planners and policymakers should establish norms to manage healthcare workers' hand hygiene and disinfection after using mobile phones.

Comparative Evaluation of Microbial Contamination on the Mobile Phones Used by Dental Health-care Professionals versus Faculty of School System.

Mobile phones are frequently used in environments of high bacteria presence. These can harbor various potential pathogens and become an exogenous source of nosocomial infections. Even in recent outbreak of COVID-19, it has become a point which needs to be sanitized to prevent and control further disease transmission as it is equally important for health-care professionals to use mobile phones in the hospital and other health and care settings, especially for communication. The present study was conducted to determine the potential role of mobile phones in the dissemination of disease. To compare the evaluation of microbial contamination on the mobile phones used by dental health-care professionals and faculty of senior secondary school and to access the microbial contamination of mobile phones by measuring the percentages of pathogens and to determine the type of bacteria commonly present on mobile phones. It also assesses the efficacy of 70% ethyl alcohol to be used as decontamination solution. A total of 126 mobile phones were screened in the study; 63 mobile phones belonging to dental health-care personnel from nine different specialties of dental college (Group 1 - test group) and 63 mobile phones belonging to nonhealth-care personnel like school teachers of senior schools (Group 2 - control group). All the samples were taken before and after cleaning with 70% ethyl alcohol. A total of 252 swab samples were taken. Microbial contamination was approximately 68% in swab samples taken from mobile phones before cleaning with 70% of ethyl alcohol but even with one time disinfection with alcohol, decontamination was found to be only 95% effective. Coagulase-negative Staphylococcus was the most common isolated organism in swabs collected from dental college. Pathogenic bacteria were more prevalent in samples of dental college than to school samples. Ninetythree percentage of cell phones of health-care workers were contaminated and they act as potential source of nosocomial infections. Alcohol should be used to disinfect the mobile phones.

Bacterial Contamination of Mobile Phones Used by Healthcare Workers in Critical Care Units: A Cross-Sectional Study from Saudi Arabia.

Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) present a formidable challenge for healthcare institutions, resulting in heightened mortality, morbidity, and economic burden. Within healthcare settings, various equipment and materials, including mobile phones, can potentially act as sources of infection. This study sought to examine the occurrence of bacterial contamination on mobile phones utilized by healthcare workers (HCWs) in intensive care units (ICUs), pediatric intensive care units (PICUs), neonatal intensive care units (NICUs), and cardiac care units (CCUs) within a central hospital (CH) and two peripheral hospitals (PHs) situated in the southwestern province of Saudi Arabia. We collected a total of 157 samples from mobile phones utilized by HCWs across all ICUs in the CH and PHs. These samples underwent bacteriological analysis to evaluate the degree of bacterial contamination. We found that 45 out of 55 samples from physicians (81.81%) and 58 out of 77 samples from nurses (75.32%) showed bacterial contamination. Contamination rates on HCWs' mobile phones in the ICU, PICU, and NICU departments of the CH were observed at 69.56%, 80.95%, and 70.27%, respectively. Furthermore, the overall contamination rates in the ICUs, NICUs, and CCUs of the PHs were 78.26%, 88.88%, and 66.66%, respectively. The overall contamination rates of mobile phones in the CH and PHs were 72.11% and 81.13%, respectively. These findings underscore the necessity of routinely disinfecting the mobile phones of HCWs to mitigate the risk of cross-contamination. Implementing robust disinfection protocols can significantly contribute to curtailing the propagation of bacterial pathogens and reducing the incidence of HAIs in healthcare settings.

Effect of prevalence of e-learning and excessive use of disinfectants to bacterial contamination of mobile phones and computer keyboards during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract Background: In Iraq, first confirmed cases of COVID-19 were reported in February 24, 2020. Because of applying of healthy quarantine, electronic learning was applied in order to prevent the potential spreading of COVID-19 in the educational institutions, using of mobile phone and computer increased and given a great opportunity for increasing the microbial contamination. Aims: Study effect of excessive use of e-learning and disinfectants on the bacterial contamination of mobile phones and keyboards during the Corona epidemic. Methods and Materials: 200 samples were collected from computer keyboards and mobile phones used for E-learning by undergraduate students in college of Pharmacy/University of Babylon, Iraq for the period from 1st April–15th June 2021, during COVID-19 pandemic. Isolates were diagnosed by VITEK 2 system. Agar-well diffusion method was used to evaluate the antibacterial activity of some disinfectants included sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) (5% (, ethanol 70%, ethanol 99%, chlorhexidine gluconate 4% w/v, and chloroxylenol 4.8 w/v. Results: 308 isolates were obtained included 183 isolates from mobile phones and 125 isolates from computer keyboards. Antibacterial activity was varied depending on bacterial isolates, type and concentration of disinfectant. Sodium hypochlorite 5% revealed highest antibacterial activity against all studied bacteria followed by ethanol 70% and chlorhexidine gluconate 4% w/v, whereas chloroxylenol 4.8 w/v and ethanol 99% have the lowest activity. Conclusions: In light of the world’s preoccupation with the Corona pandemic, the use of mobile phones and computers for the purpose of e-learning increased, which caused an increase in bacterial contamination of these devices, which required drawing attention to this aspect.

Bacterial Contamination of Healthcare Students' Mobile Phones: Impact of Specific Absorption Rate (SAR), Users' Demographics and Device Characteristics on Bacterial Load.

We quantitatively and qualitatively evaluated the bacterial contamination of mobile phones (MPs) in relation to users' demographics, habits, and device characteristics by administering questionnaires to 83 healthcare university students and sampling their MPs by following a cross-sectional design. The heterotrophic plate count (HPC) at 22 °C (HPC 22 °C) and 37 °C (HPC 37 °C), Enterococci, Gram-negative bacteria, and Staphylococci were evaluated. Higher bacterial loads were detected for HPC 37 °C and Staphylococci (416 and 442 CFU/dm2, respectively), followed by HPC 22 °C, Enterococci, and Gram-negative bacteria; the vast majority of samples were positive for HPC 37 °C, HPC 22 °C, and Staphylococci (98%), while Enterococci (66%) and Gram-negative bacteria (17%) were detected less frequently. A statistically significant positive correlation (r = 0.262, p < 0.02) was found between the European head specific absorption rate (SAR) and both HPC 37 °C and Staphylococci; Enterococci showed a strong, significant correlation with HPC 37 °C, HPC 22 °C, and Gram-negative bacteria (r = 0.633, 0.684, 0.884) and a moderate significant correlation with Staphylococci (r = 0.390). Significant differences were found between HPC 22 °C and the type of internship attendance, with higher loads for Medicine. Students with a daily internship attendance had higher HPC 22 °C levels than those attending <6 days/week. Our study showed that bacteria can survive on surfaces for long periods, depending on the user's habits and the device's characteristics.

Fungal contamination of medical students’ mobile phones from the University of Belgrade, Serbia: a cross-sectional study

The study aimed to characterize fungal contamination of medical students’ mobile phones, investigate mobile phones’ usage and cleaning habits, identify independent risk factors for fungal contamination, and awareness of mobile phones as a potential route of infection. In a cross-sectional study, medical students’ mobile phones were sampled for possible fungal contamination. The questionnaire was used to record mobile phone usage, cleaning habits, and awareness of mobile phones as a source of infection. A total of 492 medical students were included and fungal contamination of mobile phones was confirmed in 32.11%. The most frequent fungal isolates on students’ mobile phones were Candida albicans (28.5%), followed by Aspergillus niger (11.4%), and Penicillium chrysogenum (9.5%). Factors independently associated with fungal contamination of students’ mobile phones were: lack of mobile phone cleaning (OR = 0.381; p < 0.001), and usage of mobile phones near patients’ beds (OR = 0.571; p = 0.007). The results of this study confirmed that students who use their mobile phones in hospital wards have a higher rate of fungal contamination. The development of active surveillance and preventive strategies is needed to reduce the risk of cross-contamination and increase awareness of fungal transmission via mobile phones.

Healthcare Derived Smart Watches and Mobile Phones are Contaminated Niches to Multidrug Resistant and Highly Virulent Microbes.

BackgroundAs high touch wearable devices, the potential for microbial contamination of smart watches is high. In this study, microbial contamination of smart watches of healthcare workers (HCWs) was assessed and compared to the individual’s mobile phone and hands.MethodsThis study was part of a larger point prevalence survey of microbial contamination of mobile phones of HCWs at the emergency unit of a tertiary care facility. Swabs from smart watches, mobile phones and hands were obtained from four HCWs with dual ownership of these digital devices. Bacterial culture was carried out for all samples and those from smart watches and mobile phones were further assessed using shotgun metagenomic sequencing.ResultsMajority of the participants were females (n/N = 3/4; 75%). Although they all use their digital devices at work and believe that these devices could harbour microbes, cleaning in the preceding 24 hours was reported by one individual. Predominant organisms identified on bacterial culture were multidrug resistant Staphylococcus hominis and Staphylococcus epidermidis. At least one organism identified from the hands was also detected on all mobile phones and two smart watches. Shotgun metagenomics analysis demonstrated greater microbial number and diversity on mobile phones compared to smart watches. All devices had high signatures of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and associated bacteriophages and antibiotic resistance genes. Almost half of the antibiotic resistance genes (n/N = 35/75;46.6%) were present on all devices and majority were related to efflux pumps. Of the 201 virulence factor genes (VFG) identified, majority (n/N = 148/201;73%) were associated with P. aeruginosa with 96% (n/N = 142/148) present on smart watches and mobile phones.ConclusionThis first report on microbial contamination of smart watches using metagenomics next generation sequencing showed similar pattern of contamination with microbes, VFG and antibiotic resistance genes across digital devices. Further studies on microbial contamination of wearable digital devices are urgently needed.

Bacteria Associated with Students’ Mobile Phones-Caritas University, Enugu State

Microorganisms are ubiquitous, they are found everywhere. Mobile phones are not an exception. Mobile phones, also referred to as palmtops act as fomites, a source of infection because the palms used to handle mobile phones are often times in contact with surfaces which may have been pre-infected; nevertheless, their potential role in transmission of infections is of great concern. A cross-sectional study (male and female) was done from June to August 2018 at Caritas University, Amorji-Nike, Enugu State, in order to investigate the prevalence of bacterial contamination of mobile phones of students. Swab samples were collected from 50 mobile phones of Caritas University students. These were tested for bacterial contamination in the Microbiology laboratory. Quantification of bacteria was performed using standard streak plate technique. Isolated bacteria were identified using standard microbiological methods which include: cultural and morphological characterization and biochemical test. Antimicrobial susceptibility was also done. The microorganism isolated from students’ mobile phones and their percentage frequency of occurrence were: E. coli (31.9%), S. aureus (40.4%), P. aeruginosa (8.5%), K. pneumonia (4.3%) and Streptococcus sp. (14.9%). The result showed that Staphylococcus sp. has the highest percentage of occurrence. The antibiotic sensitivity test indicated the varied resistance of isolated bacteria to antibiotics used in this study, although most isolated bacteria were sensitive to erythromycin and chloramphenicol except the isolates of E. coli which were the most resistant to the antibiotics used. The high prevalence of bacterial agents isolated from students’ mobile phones was attributed to poor hygiene and sanitary practices. It is recommended that students should wash their hands after using mobile phones, before eating or undertaking any venture requiring sepsis.

Aerobic and anerobic contamination of mobile phones of health personnels with probable transfer of bacterial microbes to their hands at a tertiary care hospital of India.

Mobile phone (MP) contamination of health personnels (HPs) in hospitals is a potential health hazard to the patients and the HP themselves. However, transfer of microbes from MPs of HP to their hands has not been demonstrated before, which would make potential threat into an actual peril. The primary objective was to determine aerobic and anerobic bacterial contamination of MP and hands of HP. The secondary objective was to determine probable transfer of bacterial microbes from MP to hands of tested HP. Three swabs each were taken from 374 HP first from their MP, second from their dominant hand and third from their dominant hand after cleaning with disinfectant followed by a mock phone call of one minute (DHM). Aerobic and anerobic bacterial microbes were identified with standard methods. Three hundred twenty-two HPs were recruited. Bacterial contamination was seen in 92% MP, 85% dominant hands, and 68% DHM of tested HP. Of these, contamination with potentially pathogenic bacterias (PPB) was 50% in MP, 25.6% in hands, and 31% in DHM. Anerobic contamination (1.6%) was present on MP but not in hands or DHM. In 54.7% HP, there was presence of similar bacterial microbes in MP and DHM of which 30% were PPB. When disinfectant was used in non-protocolized way in DHM, decrease in aerobic spore forming bacteria (ASB) was seen but not of gram-positive and gram-negative bacterial microbes. There is significant aerobic bacterial contamination, including PPB, seen in MP, hands, and DHM of HP in a tertiary care hospital of India; however, anerobic bacterias are found only in MP. Similar bacterial microbes in MP and DHM point to probable transfer of aerobic bacterias from MP to hands of HP which does not decrease when hand disinfectants are used in non-protocolized way, which is a point of concern.

EFFECT OF APPLICATION OF WRAPAROUND CLING FILM ON THE REDUCTION OF MICROBIAL CONTAMINATION OF MOBILE PHONES IN THE DENTAL OPERATORY-A COMPARATIVE EVALUATION

Aim:To evaluate and compare the microbial contamination of mobile phones with or without a wraparound mobile phone cover. Material And Methods:34 dentists were included in the study and they were divided into 2 groups of 17 participants(group A and group B). Swabs were collected from the mobile phones of each participant as they reached the college, using a sterile swab impregnated with normal saline, aseptically. The mobile phones of all the participants were then disinfected.The phones of participants in group A were then covered using a wraparound cling film,whereas the phones of participants in group B were uncovered.By evening, samples were collected from each participantÂ’sphones.The samples were transported immediately to the microbiological laboratory for culture and identification of microorganisms.The swabs were streaked onto blood agar,McConkey agar, Sabouraud dextrose agar,the plates were then incubated at 37oC for 48 hours.Isolated microorganisms were identified using Gram stain, morphology, catalase and coagulase reaction. Results: Statistical analysis was donewith, Mann Whitneytest, Wilcoxon Signed Ranks Test,SPSS software. The results showed a statistically significant reduction in microbial growth in Group A as compared to that of group B for samples collected in the evening. Clinical Significance: Preventing cross infection. Conclusion: Mobile phones disinfected and covered with a wraparound cling film showed significant reduction in microbial growth indicating its use in the prevention of cross infection.

Assessment of microbial contamination of mobile phones among mothers in Raichur city, Karnataka

Studies have reported that multiple contaminated surfaces play an important part in spreading diseases including mobile phones. Cell phones act as a medium by which bacterial pathogens are transmitted- either from phone to phone or from the hand of user to mobile phone; resulting in exchange of microbial flora. This study was carried out to assess the amount of bacterial contamination among mobile phone users who are mothers and handle kids below 6 years of age. The aim of the present study was to assess the presence of different microbial species for contamination among mothers with children &lt;6 years of age using different mobile phones in Raichur. A cross sectional study was carried out among 60 mothers in Raichur city of Karnataka. The sterile swab was used to collect samples and transferred to the laboratory for assessment. Among the 60 study subjects, all of them did not know that micro-organisms spread from their body parts to mobile phone. No one was advised by the doctor on ill effects of mobile phone usage during pregnancy and none cleaned their phones regularly with any chemical disinfectant. Half of the microbes identified was Coagulase negative species.

Molecular Characterization of Staphylococcus aureus Strains Isolated from Mobile Phones.

The widespread use of mobile phones (MP) among healthcare personnel might be considered as an important source of contamination. One of the most pathogenic bacteria to humans is Staphylococcus aureus, which can be transmitted through the constant use of MP. Nevertheless, which specific type of strains are transmitted and which are their sources have not been sufficiently studied. The aim of this study is to determine the source of contamination of MP and characterize the corresponding genotypic and phenotypic properties of the strains found. Nose, pharynx, and MP samples were taken from a group of health science students. We were able to determinate the clonality of the isolated strains by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and spa gene typing (spa-type). Adhesin and toxin genes were detected, and the capacity of biofilm formation was determined. Several of the MP exhibited strains of S. aureus present in the nose and/or pharynx of their owners. methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA), hospital-acquired methicillin-resistant S. aureus (HA-MRSA), and community-acquired methicillin-resistant S. aureus (CA-MRSA) strains were found, which indicated a variety of genotypes. This study concludes that MP can be contaminated with the strains of S. aureus present in the nose and/or pharynx of the owners; these strains can be of different types and there is no dominant genotype.

Metagenomic Sequencing and Reverse Transcriptase PCR Reveal That Mobile Phones and Environmental Surfaces Are Reservoirs of Multidrug-Resistant Superbugs and SARS-CoV-2.

BackgroundMobile phones of healthcare workers (HCWs) can act as fomites in the dissemination of microbes. This study was carried out to investigate microbial contamination of mobile phones of HCWs and environmental samples from the hospital unit using a combination of phenotypic and molecular methods.MethodsThis point prevalence survey was carried out at the Emergency unit of a tertiary care facility. The emergency unit has two zones, a general zone for non-COVID-19 patients and a dedicated COVID-19 zone for confirmed or suspected COVID-19 patients. Swabs were obtained from the mobile phones of HCWs in both zones for bacterial culture and shotgun metagenomic analysis. Metagenomic sequencing of pooled environmental swabs was conducted. RT-PCR for SARS-CoV-2 detection was carried out.ResultsBacteria contamination on culture was detected from 33 (94.2%) mobile phones with a preponderance of Staphylococcus epidermidis (n/N = 18/35), Staphylococcus hominis (n/N = 13/35), and Staphylococcus haemolyticus (n/N = 7/35). Two methicillin-sensitive and three methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, and one pan-drug-resistant carbapenemase producer Acinetobacter baumannii were detected. Shotgun metagenomic analysis showed high signature of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in mobile phone and environmental samples with preponderance of P. aeruginosa bacteriophages. Malassezia and Aspergillus spp. were the predominant fungi detected. Fourteen mobile phones and one environmental sample harbored protists. P. aeruginosa antimicrobial resistance genes mostly encoding for efflux pump systems were detected. The P. aeruginosa virulent factor genes detected were related to motility, adherence, aggregation, and biofilms. One mobile phone from the COVID-19 zone (n/N = 1/5; 20%) had positive SARS-CoV-2 detection while all other phone and environmental samples were negative.ConclusionThe findings demonstrate that mobile phones of HCWs are fomites for potentially pathogenic and highly drug-resistant microbes. The presence of these microbes on the mobile phones and hospital environmental surfaces is a concern as it poses a risk of pathogen transfer to patients and dissemination into the community.

DENTISTS’ MOBILE PHONES AS A MEANS OF SPREADING CONDITIONALLY PATHOGENS

The aim: The aim of the study was to determine the level of bacterial contamination of mobile phones and watches of dentists. Materials and methods: The study was conducted at the University Dental Clinic and Microbiology Laboratory at the Department of Genetics, Plant Physiology and Microbiology of Uzhhorod National University. Swabs from the investigated surfaces of 30 mobile phones and 30 watches were collected using disposable sterile cotton swabs moistened with sterile saline. The clinical isolates were isolated with the use of differentially diagnostic nutrient media. Results: Studies have shown that cell phones are contaminated with pathogenic microorganisms to a much greater extent than watches. 1518 CFU were isolated from mobile phones, while 375 CFU from watches. The dominant representatives of the microflora of the studied objects were gram positive bacteria of the genus Staphylococcus. Comparative characteristics of the species composition of bacteria of the genus Staphylococcus isolated from mobile phones and watches showed that the dominant species isolated was S.epidemidis. Therefore, studies have shown a high degree of contamination of mobile phones with coagulase-positive bacteria of the genus Staphylococcus, which in most showed hemolytic properties. Conclusions: The patterns identified indicate that mobile phones can play a role in the spread of opportunistic infection.

Microbiological Contamination of Mobile Phones and Mobile Phone Hygiene of Final-Year Medical Students in Uganda: A Need for Educational Intervention.

IntroductionContaminated mobile phones act as reservoirs for organisms causing hospital-acquired infections (HAI). Little is known about medical school students’ awareness of infection prevention and control (IPC) regarding mobile phone use among medical students. We demonstrated the presence of organisms on mobile phones of final-year medical students at Makerere University College of Health Sciences and evaluated their awareness of IPC regarding mobile phone hygiene and use in a hospital setting.MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, organisms from swabs obtained from 79 medical students’ mobile phones were identified and antimicrobial susceptibility test carried out using standard biochemical tests and the automated BD Phoenix instrument. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire to assess the students’ awareness. The analysis was carried out using STATA software version 16.ResultsSeventy (88.6%) mobile phones were contaminated with at least one organism. One hundred forty-eight bacteria were isolated, of which 123 (83.1%) were Gram-positive, 24 (16.2%) were Gram-negative, and 1 (0.7%) was yeast (Candida spp). Coagulase negative staphylococci were the most frequently isolated among Gram-positive bacteria. Acinetobacter baumannii were the most frequently isolated among Gram-negative bacteria. The average IPC practical score regarding mobile phone hygiene (34%) was significantly lower than the average IPC awareness score (77%) (p ≤ 0.0001). Seventy-four (93.7%) students use their phones while rotating in the various wards. Forty (50.6%) of the students cleaned their phones with alcohol-based sanitizer after rotations in the ward. Thirty-five (44.3%) students were aware of IPC programs in the hospital they rotated in.ConclusionThere is a high prevalence of bacterial contamination from mobile phones of medical students. The students had lower IPC practical scores compared to IPC awareness scores regarding mobile phone hygiene irrespective of the ward of rotation. Curriculum of final-year medical students should include IPC-related topics, which incorporate practical skills.

Mobile Phones of Healthcare Workers are Possible Source of Nosocomial Infections: Evidence from Asante-Mampong Municipal Government Hospital, Ghana

Background: The users of mobile phones often contaminate them with several microflorae including viruses, fungi, and bacteria via unhygienic conditions and habits making phones a breeding ground and a tool for the transmission of infections. This study examined microbial contamination of mobile phones of health care workers (HCWs) and the risk of nosocomial infections at the Mampong Municipal Government Hospital (MMGH), Ghana.&#x0D; Methods: We employed a cross-sectional study design to characterize bacterial microflora on mobile phones of HCWs at the MMGH. A random sample of thirty-five [1] mobile phones of HCWs was swabbed for microbiological analysis from the Dental, Children, Male, Theatre and Laboratory departments. A 0.1 ml sterile buffered peptone water was used to make a uniform suspension of each sample and streaked on blood agar and MacConkey agar and incubated at 37℃ for 48 hours. Bacteria were isolated and identified using suitable laboratory and biochemical methods. Analysis of data was done using SPSS-IBM version 16.&#x0D; Results: All cell phones were contaminated with one or more species of bacteria. Cell phones from Male, Dental and Laboratory departments had 85.7%, 71.4% and 57.1% prevalence of bacterial contamination respectively while Children’s and Theatre departments each recorded 28.6%. Bacterial contaminants identified were Staphylococcus epidermidis (G+) (37%), Staphylococcus aureus (G+) (26%), E. coli (G-) (20%), Bacillus spp. (G+) (11%) and Klebsiella spp. (G-) (6%.). Apart from the Children’s Ward, E. coli was isolated at all study sites and the most prevalent (42.9%) at the Dental Unit. Klebsiella spp (G-) (28.6%) was isolated only at the Children’s ward.&#x0D; Conclusion: Mobile phones of HCWs harboured possible pathogens that could cause nosocomial infections among patients. Therefore, strict handwashing practices should be adhered to by HCWs before and after phone use before contact with the patient to reduce the risk of nosocomial infections. This has become even more relevant in the wake of Covid-19 pandemic.

Involvement of Mobile phones as a source for Nosocomial infections

Background: Mobile phones are communication devices for communication nowadays and have emerged as a need of our life. Mobile phones also act as a reservoir for microorganisms. Human skin, wallets, bags, environment and food items are major sources of contamination for mobile phones. Medical students, healthcare workers and other non-teaching staff nowadays use mobile phones for communication in the workplace. Mobile phone contamination spreads from surfaces to hands.&#x0D; Aims and Objective: Our study was aimed to investigate the contamination of mobile phones by pathogens among health care workers. The objective of this study was to document for the role of mobile phones as sources in nosocomial infections.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: The study was done in Department of Microbiology and Pathology, Era’s Lucknow Medical College and Hospital, including teaching staffs from hospital and college, health care workers in all laboratories and wards. A total of 200 swab samples from various mobile phones of medical and technical staff of various wards, Outpatient Department Treatment, laboratories was collected after taking informed written consent from them. Culture was done on Blood Agar, MacConkey Agar, and Sabouraud’s dextrose agar. After overnight incubation, colonies were identified by Gram’s stain and Biochemical tests.&#x0D; Results: Highest mobile phone users are medical students, residents followed by teaching faculty. Smart phones or touch screen mobiles were used by maximum ie.90.5%. Among the isolated bacteria, Bacillus (39.5%), CONS (19%), E.coli (15.5%), Klebsiella (10.5%), Pseudomonas (5.5%), Staphylococcus aureus (4%), Enterococcus (2.5%). No growth was seen in 3.5%mobile phone sample cultures. Not a single fungal pathogen was isolated.&#x0D; Conclusion: The findings is the present study suggests that the mobile phones used by medical staff and health care workers act as source of transmission vehicles for pathogenic microorganisms.