CELL PHONES OF HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS AS FOMITES HARBOURING POTENTIAL PATHOGENIC MICROORGANISMS

V. Arulmozhi; Anand B. Janagond; S. Savitha; J. Kalyani; G. Sumathi

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IJCRR - 6(19), October, 2014

Pages: 01-04

CELL PHONES OF HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS AS FOMITES HARBOURING POTENTIAL PATHOGENIC MICROORGANISMS

Author: V. Arulmozhi, Anand B. Janagond, S. Savitha, J. Kalyani, G. Sumathi

Category: Healthcare

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Abstract:

Background: Cell phones (CP) being used by healthcare providers are emerging as fomites capable of transmitting infections. Studies have shown presence of potentially pathogenic bacterial and fungal contamination of cell phones.
Aim: This study was conducted to detect microbial carriage of cellphones of healthcare providers Methodology: CPs of 50 healthcare providers (HCP), comprising doctors of various specialities, nurses and technicians working at various departments/areas of hospital were screened for possible bacterial and fungal contamination. Results: The overall rate of contamination of CPs of HCPs was 94%. Contamination with potential pathogens was found in 76% of CPs. S. aureus was the commonest (18/41) potential pathogen isolated and two CPs were contaminated with Methicillin Resistant
S. aureus (MRSA). Candida spp was isolated from 4% of CPs. Rates of contamination with potential pathogens in CPs used by doctors was 85%, nurses 71% and technicians 69%. Rate of contamination with potential pathogens was highest in the CPs used by HCPs having access to wards (89%) followed by OPDs (88%) and OT/ICU (85%).
Conclusion: CP contamination with potential human pathogens was common in HCPs working at various areas of the hospital including sensitive areas like OTs and ICUs and also irrespective of professional cadre. Rates of contamination with multi-drug resistant organisms were low in CPs. These findings stress the need for awareness of CPs as fomites, need for strict monitoring of hand hygiene and guidelines for routine decontamination of CPs in hospitals.

Keywords: Cell phones, Hand hygiene, Fomite, Staphylococcus aureus

Citation:

V. Arulmozhi, Anand B. Janagond, S. Savitha, J. Kalyani, G. Sumathi. CELL PHONES OF HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS AS FOMITES HARBOURING POTENTIAL PATHOGENIC MICROORGANISMS International Journal of Current Research and Review. 6(19), October, 01-04

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