The Role of Mobile Phones in the Transmission of Bacteria and Fungi Associated with Hospital-acquired infections in Erbil City
Background and objectives: The widespread use of cellular devices, particularly by hospital staff, contributes to the spread of pathogenic organisms. The study was conducted to determine the microbial contamination of cellular mobile devices in health care workers (HCW) and to compare it with mobile...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Erbil Polytechnic University
2023-09-01
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| Series: | Polytechnic Journal |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://polytechnic-journal.epu.edu.iq/home/vol13/iss1/21 |
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| Summary: | Background and objectives: The widespread use of cellular devices, particularly by hospital staff,
contributes to the spread of pathogenic organisms. The study was conducted to determine the microbial
contamination of cellular mobile devices in health care workers (HCW) and to compare it with mobile
phones of non-HCW’s. Materials and Methods: Mobile phones of 90 HCW’s were screened for microbial
contamination and it is compared with mobile phones of 90 non-HCW’s. A sterile moistened swab sample
was taken and rotated over the surfaces [both sides] of the cell phones and inoculated in nutrient broth at
37°C for 24 hours, followed by sub-culturing on agar such as: MacConkey agar, Mannitol salt agar, blood
base agar and Sabouraud dextrose agar. The isolated microorganism was identified by using standard
microbiological techniques. Results: The study revealed microbial contamination in case of 90 mobile
phones of HCW’s and 90 mobile phones from non-HCW’s. Commonest organism isolated was Coagulase
negative Staphylococci in HCW’s groups. 81 microbe isolates (61.83%) from HCW’s were significant
nosocomial pathogens whereas 68 isolates (59.13%) from non-HCW were pathogenic; Staphylococcus
aureus being the most frequent isolate from non-HCW groups. examined samples showed that (100%)
were contaminated with one or more organisms. Five different bacterial species were found to be
present. (46.67%) Coagulase Negative Staphylococci, (43.33 %) for each Staphylococcus aureus and
Streptococcus spp., (4.44 %) E. coli, (3.33%) Pseudomonas spp. and fungal isolates include (3.33%)
Aspergillus spp. and Candida spp. (1.11%). Medical lab samples showed high rates (53.33%) of mixed
growth compared with (23.33%) and (20%) from doctor and nurses respectively. In addition, samples
taken from females showed a higher contamination rate of single growth (75.56%) than samples taken
from males (60%). Conclusions: According to the study, the use of mobile devices by HCWs serves as a
reservoir for microorganisms. In order to stop the spread of infectious germs, these should be frequently
disinfected as well as using good hand hygiene techniques. Additionally screening of mobile device for
the nosocomial pathogens and restricting their use in sensitive areas of hospital is also advisable. |
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| ISSN: | 2707-7799 |