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Oluduro AO, Adesiyan YM, Omoboye OO, Odeyemi AT. Phenotypic and molecular characterization of Staphylococcus aureus from mobile phones in Nigeria. AIMS Microbiol 2023; 9:402-418. [PMID: 37649800 PMCID: PMC10462460 DOI: 10.3934/microbiol.2023021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The presence of Staphylococcus aureus, a normal human flora on cellphones of different professionals in Ile-Ife was investigated with a view to determining their antibiotic susceptibility profile and nature of resistance and virulence genes. One hundred swab samples were collected aseptically from mobile phones of various users based on their profession. Surfaces of the mobile phones were swabbed and the streak plate method was used to isolate colonies showing characteristic golden yellow on mannitol salt agar plates. These isolates were further identified using standard microbiological methods. The antibiotic susceptibility of the isolates was determined using Kirby-Bauer's disk diffusion technique. Molecular detection of nuc, mecA and pvl genes in some isolates was carried out by polymerase chain reaction technique. All the 36 isolates obtained in this study were 100% resistant to amoxicillin and augmentin; the isolates also displayed 55.6%, 44.4% and 41.7% resistance to ceftriazone, erythromycin and chloramphenicol, respectively. Based on resistance to oxacillin, prevalence of methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) was 11.1%. Only one S. aureus was positive for plasmid analysis. MecA gene was genetically confirmed in four (4) out of the 16 suspected phenotypic MRSA strains, nuc gene was confirmed in all 28 isolates investigated, while there was no pvl gene in the strains investigated. Mobile phones harbor multiple antibiotics resistant S. aureus, which are responsible for important diseases in humans and could be difficult to manage with antibiotics thereby posing serious health risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthonia O. Oluduro
- Department of Microbiology, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, 220005, Nigeria
| | - Yetunde M. Adesiyan
- Department of Microbiology, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, 220005, Nigeria
| | - Olumide O. Omoboye
- Department of Microbiology, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, 220005, Nigeria
| | - Adebowale T. Odeyemi
- Landmark University SDG Groups 2 and 3; Department of Food Sciences and Microbiology, Landmark University, Omu-Aran, Kwara State, Nigeria
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Boucherabine S, Nassar R, Mohamed L, Olsen M, Alqutami F, Zaher S, Hachim M, Alkhajeh A, McKirdy S, Alghafri R, Tajouri L, Senok A. Healthcare Derived Smart Watches and Mobile Phones are Contaminated Niches to Multidrug Resistant and Highly Virulent Microbes. Infect Drug Resist 2022; 15:5289-5299. [PMID: 36106052 PMCID: PMC9464629 DOI: 10.2147/idr.s378524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background As 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. Methods This 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. Results Majority 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. Conclusion This 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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Syrine Boucherabine
- College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Rania Nassar
- College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.,Oral and Biomedical Sciences, School of Dentistry, College of Biomedical and Life Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Lobna Mohamed
- College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Matthew Olsen
- Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, Bond University, Robina, QLD, Australia
| | - Fatma Alqutami
- College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Shroque Zaher
- College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Mahmood Hachim
- College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | | | - Simon McKirdy
- Harry Butler Institute, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA, Australia
| | - Rashed Alghafri
- Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, Bond University, Robina, QLD, Australia.,Harry Butler Institute, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA, Australia.,General Department of Forensic Sciences and Criminology, Dubai Police, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.,Dubai Police Scientists Council, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Lotti Tajouri
- Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, Bond University, Robina, QLD, Australia.,Harry Butler Institute, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA, Australia.,Dubai Police Scientists Council, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Abiola Senok
- College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
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Yao N, Yang XF, Zhu B, Liao CY, He YM, Du J, Liu N, Zhou CB. Bacterial Colonization on Healthcare Workers' Mobile Phones and Hands in Municipal Hospitals of Chongqing, China: Cross-contamination and Associated Factors. J Epidemiol Glob Health 2022; 12:390-399. [PMID: 36070175 PMCID: PMC9449931 DOI: 10.1007/s44197-022-00057-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Mobile phones are widely used in clinical settings and could be colonized by potential pathogenic bacteria which may lead to hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) transmission. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of bacterial contamination of healthcare workers’ (HCWs) mobile phones, identify bacterial isolates, and assess the factors associated with mobile phone contamination. Methods Self-administered questionnaire was used to collect the information on the demographic characteristics and the use of mobile phones. A total of 111 HCWs’ hands and their mobile phones were swabbed, then bacterial culture, isolation, and identification were performed. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression were applied to identify factors associated with mobile phone bacterial contamination. Results Totally 106 (95.5%) of the 111 mobile phones investigated were contaminated with bacteria. Staphylococcus epidermidis (13/111), Acinetobacter baumannii (4/111) and Staphylococcus aureus (3/111) were the predominant bacterial isolates from HCWs’ mobile phones. Univariate analyses showed that age, gender, profession and the frequency of mobile phone utilization were significantly associated with the number of bacterial colonization. Frequency of phone utilization (OR 8.366; 95% CI 1.496–46.797) was found to be the most significant factors associated with the qualified rate of mobile phones bacterial load. In addition, phone cover using was associated with the increased risk of mobile phone bacterial contamination. Conclusion There was cross-contamination between hands and phones. It is necessary to develop guidelines for mobile phone cleaning. Special attention needs to be paid to the disinfection of mobile phone covers to reduce contamination and transmission of pathogens. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s44197-022-00057-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning Yao
- Division of Expanded Program On Immunization (EPI), Chongqing Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Chongqing, China
| | - Xue-Fan Yang
- Department of Disinfection and Vector Control, Chongqing Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Chongqing, China
| | - Bing Zhu
- Department of Disinfection and Vector Control, Chongqing Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Chongqing, China
| | - Chun-Yan Liao
- Department of Microbiology, Chongqing Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Chongqing, China
| | - Ya-Ming He
- Department of Disinfection and Vector Control, Chongqing Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Chongqing, China
| | - Jiang Du
- Department of Disinfection and Vector Control, Chongqing Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Chongqing, China
| | - Nan Liu
- Department of Disinfection and Vector Control, Chongqing Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Chongqing, China
| | - Chun-Bei Zhou
- Department of Disinfection and Vector Control, Chongqing Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Chongqing, China.
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Boucherabine S, Nassar R, Zaher S, Mohamed L, Olsen M, Alqutami F, Hachim M, Alkhaja A, Campos M, Jones P, McKirdy S, Alghafri R, Tajouri L, Senok A. Metagenomic Sequencing and Reverse Transcriptase PCR Reveal That Mobile Phones and Environmental Surfaces Are Reservoirs of Multidrug-Resistant Superbugs and SARS-CoV-2. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:806077. [PMID: 35372113 PMCID: PMC8964345 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.806077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Mobile 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. Methods This 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. Results Bacteria 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. Conclusion The 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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Syrine Boucherabine
- College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Rania Nassar
- College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.,Oral and Biomedical Sciences, School of Dentistry, College of Biomedical and Life Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Shroque Zaher
- College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Lobna Mohamed
- College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Matthew Olsen
- Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, Bond University, Robina, QLD, Australia
| | - Fatma Alqutami
- College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Mahmood Hachim
- College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Abdulmajeed Alkhaja
- Medical Education & Research Department, Dubai Health Authority, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Mariana Campos
- CSIRO Land and Water, CSIRO Health and Biosecurity, Floreat, WA, Australia
| | - Peter Jones
- Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, Bond University, Robina, QLD, Australia
| | - Simon McKirdy
- Harry Butler Institute, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA, Australia
| | - Rashed Alghafri
- Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, Bond University, Robina, QLD, Australia.,Harry Butler Institute, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA, Australia.,General Department of Forensic Sciences and Criminology, Dubai Police, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.,Dubai Future Council on Community Security and Dubai Police Scientists Council, Duba, United Arab Emirates
| | - Lotti Tajouri
- Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, Bond University, Robina, QLD, Australia.,General Department of Forensic Sciences and Criminology, Dubai Police, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.,Dubai Future Council on Community Security and Dubai Police Scientists Council, Duba, United Arab Emirates
| | - Abiola Senok
- College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
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Hessling M, Haag R, Sicks B. Review of microbial touchscreen contamination for the determination of reasonable ultraviolet disinfection doses. GMS HYGIENE AND INFECTION CONTROL 2021; 16:Doc30. [PMID: 34956822 PMCID: PMC8662742 DOI: 10.3205/dgkh000401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Background: Touchscreens are usually microbially contaminated and can therefore act as fomites inside and outside healthcare environments. Due to the increasing use of such touchscreens and the growing awareness of infection risks, approaches that allow safe and automatic disinfection are desired. Ultraviolet (UV) irradiation, with its known antimicrobial efficacy, could achieve this goal, but should be executed with limited touchscreen degradation, disinfection duration, and energy consumption. It should also pose as little harm as possible to humans even in case of failure. Materials and methods: A literature search was performed first to identify the microorganisms most commonly found on touchscreens. Then, the 90% reduction doses (D90 doses) for the different relevant microorganisms and UV spectral ranges were determined from the literature, and irradiation doses are suggested that should reduce most of these important microorganisms by 5 log-levels. Results: The most frequent microorganisms are staphylococci, bacilli, micrococci, enterococci, pseudomonads and E. coli with small differences between hospital and community environments, if antibiotic resistance properties are ignored. The determined irradiation doses for a 5 log-reduction of the most frequent microorganisms are about 40 mJ/cm2, 80 J/cm2, 500 J/cm2 and 50 mJ/cm2 for the UV spectral ranges UVC, UVB, UVA and far-UVC, respectively. These doses are also sufficient to inactivate all nosocomial ESKAPE pathogens on touchscreens by at least 99.999%. Conclusion: Disinfection is achievable in all UV spectral ranges, with UVC being the most effective, enabling automatic disinfection within a minute or less. The much higher doses required in the UVB and UVA spectral range result in much longer disinfection durations, with the advantage of a reduced risk to humans. For all kinds of UV irradiation, the doses should be limited to reasonable values to avoid irradiating an already more or less sterile surface and to prevent degradation of touchscreen devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Hessling
- Ulm University of Applied Sciences, Institute of Medical Engineering and Mechatronics, Ulm, Germany
| | - Robin Haag
- Ulm University of Applied Sciences, Institute of Medical Engineering and Mechatronics, Ulm, Germany
| | - Ben Sicks
- Ulm University of Applied Sciences, Institute of Medical Engineering and Mechatronics, Ulm, Germany
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Asfaw T, Genetu D. High Rate of Bacterial Contamination on Healthcare Worker's Mobile Phone and Potential Role in Dissemination of Healthcare-Associated Infection at Debre Berhan Referral Hospital, North Shoa Zone, Ethiopia. Risk Manag Healthc Policy 2021; 14:2601-2608. [PMID: 34188571 PMCID: PMC8232955 DOI: 10.2147/rmhp.s313387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mobile Phone (MP) handling by healthcare workers (HCWs) in hospital is an open breeding place for the transmission of bacteria and healthcare-associated infection (HCAI). This HCAI is a huge problem to the healthcare system worldwide. METHODS A laboratory-based cross-sectional study design was conducted from January 2020 to January 2021 in Debre Berhan Referral Hospital, North Shoa Zone, Ethiopia. A total of 65 swab samples were collected from HCWs mobiles phone. Other important data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire. The collected samples were processed for bacteriological identification and drug susceptibility testing. Data obtained were entered and cleaned into MS Excel spreadsheet and analyzed using SPSS version 21. RESULTS From the total of 65 swab sample, 84 bacterial isolates were detected. Of these bacterial isolates, 46.4% were Gram-positive bacteria while 53.6% were Gram-negative bacteria. The overall MDR prevalence was found to be 42.9%. The proportion of MP contamination was higher in males (67.9%) and the age groups of 20-35 years (50%). All the MP carried by HCWs was contaminated with at least one bacterial pathogen. The high rate of MP contamination was observed in the intensive care unit (ICU) (22.6%) followed by surgical ward (17.8) and laboratory rooms (17.8%). The rate of bacterial contamination of MP was higher among HCWs working in ICU, who did not disinfect or clean their phone regularly and who did not wash their hands regularly. CONCLUSION Healthcare worker's MP was contaminated with pathogenic bacteria. Since MP could serve as a vehicle and a reservoir for pathogenic bacteria, HCWs should be aware of the public health risks of HCAI, and appropriate intervention mechanisms should be practiced to reduce the burden and cross-transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsegahun Asfaw
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Debre Berhan University, Debre Berhan, Ethiopia
| | - Deribew Genetu
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Debre Berhan University, Debre Berhan, Ethiopia
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Multidrug-Resistant Bacteria on the Mobile Phones and Computer Keyboards of Healthcare University Students in Ghana. THE CANADIAN JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES & MEDICAL MICROBIOLOGY = JOURNAL CANADIEN DES MALADIES INFECTIEUSES ET DE LA MICROBIOLOGIE MEDICALE 2021; 2021:6647959. [PMID: 33936348 PMCID: PMC8062198 DOI: 10.1155/2021/6647959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2020] [Revised: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Globally, mobile phones and computers (laptops and desktops) are indispensable part of human lives for communication, entertainment, and educational purposes. However, there are concerns about the increasing risk of bacterial contamination and antibiotic resistant trends from the surfaces of these devices. This study aims to assess bacterial contamination of mobile phones and computer keyboards and their resistant profile at the University of Ghana, Korle-Bu Campus, Accra. This was a cross-sectional study conducted from March to June 2017 with 240 swabs collected from the surfaces of mobile phones and computer keyboards used by healthcare students. Swabs were cultured on MacConkey, blood, and mannitol salt agar. Bacteria identification was performed with a standard bacteriological method. A total of 91 bacterial isolates were obtained from the devices, and they were tested against 9 commonly used antibiotics by the Kirby-Bauer disc method. The study revealed mobile phones and computer keyboards had contamination levels of 83.3% and 43.3%. Bacteria isolated included Staphylococcus epidermidis (25.4%), Klebsiella spp. (12.9%), Staphylococcus aureus (9.2%), Escherichia coli (6.7%), Pseudomonas spp. (5.4%), Enterobacter cloacae (2.1%), and Enterobacter spp. (1.7%). Overall, 91 bacterial isolates were highly resistant to ampicillin (96.7%) and tetracycline (75.8%) and moderately resistant to chloramphenicol (49.5%) with lower resistance to cefotaxime (18.7%), ceftadizime (14.2%), ciprofloxacin (25.3%), and gentamycin (24.7%). Additionally, 45.1% of isolates were multidrug resistant. Findings from this study revealed mobile phones and computer keyboards of healthcare students in the university were contaminated with pathogenic bacteria. Hence, frequent hand hygiene and disinfection of mobile phones and computer keyboard surfaces is encouraged to minimize the spread of resistant bacteria pathogens.
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Microbes on the Mobile Phones of Healthcare Workers in Palestine: Identification, Characterization, and Comparison. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES AND MEDICAL MICROBIOLOGY 2021; 2021:8845879. [PMID: 33727996 PMCID: PMC7935563 DOI: 10.1155/2021/8845879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2020] [Revised: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Background. Healthcare workers (HCWs) may be using their mobile phones (MPs) to carry microbes that cause hospital-acquired and community infections in general. With antibiotic resistance problem emergence, these infections can be challenging to eradicate. Hence, this study aimed to determine the microbial contamination of HCW MPs and identify and classify bacterial isolates in Palestine. Methods. This was a 7-month comparative cross-sectional analysis of 200 HCW MPs from 2 hospitals and 100 MPs from university students (non-HCWs). Data collection was done using a self-administrated questionnaire, and a swab sample from both HCW and non-HCW MPs was obtained and transferred to An-Najah National University (NNU) microbiology lab for bacterial identification and antibiotic susceptibility. Data were analyzed using Social Sciences Statistical Package (SPSS) version 22.0. Result. Among HCWs, the microbial contamination was 87.5%. Coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS; 67.3%), methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA; 17.5%), Gram-positive bacilli (4.1%), methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA; 1.6%), and Gram-negative species (1.6%) were the most predominant bacterial isolates. More than half of staphylococci isolates were resistant to penicillin and erythromycin. Male gender, using a mobile phone in the bathroom, and entry to the operating theatre were associated with mobile phone contamination and increased resistance against specific antibiotics. Among non-HCWs, the contamination was 86%. The most predominant bacterial isolates were CoNS, MSSA, and Gram-positive bacilli, with a contamination of 66.8%, 28.5%, and 2.6%, respectively. No MRSA or Gram-negative species were detected in this group. Antibiotic resistance percentage of staphylococci was nearly half of that yielded in the HCW group against each antibiotic. Conclusion. Significant numbers of bacteria have been isolated from HCW MPs. Working in a hospital environment frequently raises the probability of presence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria on a MP. Therefore, infection control teams should discuss methods to prevent the transmission of drug-resistant pathogens from HCW MPs.
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Mushabati NA, Samutela MT, Yamba K, Ngulube J, Nakazwe R, Nkhoma P, Kalonda A. Bacterial contamination of mobile phones of healthcare workers at the University Teaching Hospital, Lusaka, Zambia. Infect Prev Pract 2021; 3:100126. [PMID: 34368743 PMCID: PMC8336300 DOI: 10.1016/j.infpip.2021.100126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2020] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Mobile telephones (henceforth 'phones') have become an essential part of everyday life in both healthcare and community settings. However, the widespread use of mobile phones in healthcare facilities is of concern because they can act as vehicles for transmitting pathogenic bacteria. This study aimed to investigate the bacterial contamination of mobile phones of healthcare workers (HCWs) at the University Teaching Hospital, Lusaka, Zambia. Methods This cross-sectional study, from May to July 2019, involved 117 HCWs. A self-administered questionnaire was used to gather sociodemographic and phone usage data. The mobile phones of HCWs were swabbed for culture and antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Results The overall prevalence of mobile phone contamination was 79%. The predominant isolates were coagulase-negative staphylococci (50%), Staphylococcus aureus (24.5%) and Bacillus spp. (14.3%). Other isolates were Escherichia coli, Acinetobacter spp., Pseudomonas spp., Klebsiella sp. and Proteus sp. Most isolates were susceptible to tetracycline, gentamicin and cotrimoxazole, while all Gram-positive organisms were resistant to penicillin. Meticillin resistance was detected in 25% and 48% of S. aureus and coagulase-negative staphylococci isolates, respectively. No significant association was found between mobile phone contamination and age group, gender, profession, mobile phone disinfection or work area. Conclusion Mobile phones of HCWs carry potentially pathogenic bacteria and can be a source of healthcare-associated infections in healthcare settings. Hence, regulations regarding the use of mobile phones need to be developed, especially in critical areas, to reduce the dissemination of pathogenic bacteria from hands to phones and, potentially, to patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- N A Mushabati
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Health Sciences, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - M T Samutela
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Health Sciences, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - K Yamba
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University Teaching Hospitals, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - J Ngulube
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Health Sciences, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - R Nakazwe
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University Teaching Hospitals, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - P Nkhoma
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Health Sciences, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - A Kalonda
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Health Sciences, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
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Araya S, Desta K, Woldeamanuel Y. Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase-Producing Gram-Negative Bacteria on Healthcare Workers' Mobile Phones: Evidence from Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Risk Manag Healthc Policy 2021; 14:283-291. [PMID: 33531847 PMCID: PMC7847411 DOI: 10.2147/rmhp.s291876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2020] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Mobile phones are widely used in hospital settings for different purposes. Mobile phones of healthcare workers (HCWs) could be colonized or harbor extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) producing gram-negative bacteria and may act as source of infectious agents. The aim of this study was to determine the rate of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Gram-negative bacteria on mobile phones of healthcare workers, to assess their antimicrobial susceptibility patterns and associated factors. Methods A laboratory-based cross-sectional study was conducted involving a total of 572 samples by rubbing swabs of the front screen, back, keypad, and metallic surfaces of mobile phones of healthcare workers using simple random sampling technique. All specimens were screened for ESBL using ESBL CHROME agar and confirmed using double-disk diffusion test (DDDT). Antibiotic susceptibility testing was done by the Kirby–Bauer disk diffusion technique on Mueller–Hinton agar. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25, odds ratio and p-value was calculated to determine the association among variables. Results Overall, the number of mobile phones contaminated by gram-negative bacteria was 454 out of 572 (79.4%). Female sex (OR 0.651, p-value=0.039) and service year (OR 0.468, p-value=0.038) of healthcare workers were found to be the most significant factors associated with healthcare professionals’ mobile phone and bacterial contamination. Nine percent of the isolates were ESBL-producers. K. pneumoniae (27%) was the dominant ESBL-producing isolate followed by Acinetobacter spp. (14.5%) and E.coli (14.5%). ESBL-producers were highly resistant to ampicillin (95.8%), piperacillin (83.3%), cotrimoxazole (70.8%), and chloramphenicol (54.2%), but highly sensitive to meropenem (87.5%), amikacin (85.4%), and piperacillin-tazobactam (81.2%). Conclusion ESBL-producing Gram-negative bacteria were isolated from 8.3% of HCWs’ mobile phones. As high as 79.4% of the isolates were multidrug resistant. Mobile phones can lead to bacterial cross-contamination and could be a source of nosocomial infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shambel Araya
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Kassu Desta
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Yimtubezinash Woldeamanuel
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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Lubwama M, Kateete DP, Ayazika KT, Nalwanga W, Kagambo DB, Nsubuga MD, Arach AK, Ssetaba LJ, Wamala JN, Rwot LA, Kajumbula H. Microbiological Contamination of Mobile Phones and Mobile Phone Hygiene of Final-Year Medical Students in Uganda: A Need for Educational Intervention. ADVANCES IN MEDICAL EDUCATION AND PRACTICE 2021; 12:1247-1257. [PMID: 34737665 PMCID: PMC8560070 DOI: 10.2147/amep.s333223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Contaminated 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. METHODS In 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. RESULTS Seventy (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. CONCLUSION There 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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret Lubwama
- Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
- Correspondence: Margaret Lubwama Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, P. O. Box 7072, Kampala, UgandaTel +256774440332 Email
| | - David P Kateete
- Department of Immunology and Molecular Biology, School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Kirabo Tess Ayazika
- Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Winnie Nalwanga
- Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Douglas Bruno Kagambo
- Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Mayanja David Nsubuga
- Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Arnold Kingston Arach
- Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Leoson Junior Ssetaba
- Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Joyce N Wamala
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Leah Amaro Rwot
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Henry Kajumbula
- Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
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Jaradat ZW, Ababneh QO, Sha’aban ST, Alkofahi AA, Assaleh D, Al Shara A. Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus and public fomites: a review. Pathog Glob Health 2020; 114:426-450. [PMID: 33115375 PMCID: PMC7759291 DOI: 10.1080/20477724.2020.1824112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Staphylococcus genus is a Gram-positive coccus normally associated with skin and mucous membranes of warm-blooded animals. It is part of the commensal human microflora, or found in animals, or contaminating surfaces in the community and hospital settings. Staphylococcus aureus is the most pathogenic species belonging to this genus, as it possesses a collection of virulence factors that are expressed solely to evade the immune system. The increase in the misuse of antimicrobial agents predisposed S. aureus to develop antibiotic resistance, including the resistance to methicillin which led to the emergence of Methicillin-Resistant S. aureus (MRSA). MRSA is considered one of the most dangerous nosocomial pathogens causing many hard to treat infections in hospitals and was named as Hospital Associated MRSA (HA-MRSA). Over the past 20-25 years, MRSA was isolated from community settings and thus Community Associated MRSA (CA-MRSA) has emerged. Inside hospitals, MRSA has been isolated from fomites in contact with patients, as well as staff's protective and personal items. This review highlights the worldwide prevalence of MRSA on fomites within the contexts of hospital and community settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziad W Jaradat
- Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, 22110, Jordan
| | | | - Sherin T Sha’aban
- Department of Applied Biological Sciences, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, 22110, Jordan
| | - Ayesha A Alkofahi
- Department of Applied Biological Sciences, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, 22110, Jordan
| | - Duaa Assaleh
- Department of Applied Biological Sciences, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, 22110, Jordan
| | - Anan Al Shara
- Department of Applied Biological Sciences, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, 22110, Jordan
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Hikmah N'A, Anuar TS. Mobile Phones: A Possible Vehicle of Bacterial Transmission in a Higher Learning Institution in Malaysia. Malays J Med Sci 2020; 27:151-158. [PMID: 32788850 PMCID: PMC7409564 DOI: 10.21315/mjms2020.27.2.15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2019] [Accepted: 03/09/2020] [Indexed: 10/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Mobile phones (MPs) have become one of the most indispensable accessories in social and professional life. Though they offer plenty of benefits, MPs are prolific breeding grounds for infectious pathogens in communities. Thus, the aim of this study was to identify the prevalence of bacterial contamination and determine antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) from MPs. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted from March to July 2019 on 126 students and 37 laboratory staff/clinical instructors' MPs from the Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia by a simple random sampling technique. Along with the questionnaire, a swab sample from each participant's MPs was collected and transported to the microbiology laboratory for bacterial culture as per standard microbiological procedures and antimicrobial susceptibility test by the disc diffusion technique. Data were analysed by the Statistical Package for Social Sciences Programme version 24. Results All of the tested MPs were contaminated with either single or mix bacterial agents. Bacillus spp. (74.8%), coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS; 47.9%) and S. aureus (20.9%) were the most predominant bacterial isolates, whilst the least isolate was Proteus vulgaris (P. vulgaris) (2.5%). Oxacillin resistance was seen in 5.9% of S. aureus isolate. A comparison of bacteria type and frequency among gender showed a significant difference with P. vulgaris (P = 0.003) and among profession showed a significant difference with S. aureus (P = 0.004). Conclusion The present study indicates that MPs can serve as a vector for both pathogenic and non-pathogenic organisms. Therefore, full guidelines about restricting the use of MPs in laboratory environments, hand hygiene and frequent decontamination of MPs are recommended to limit the risk of cross-contamination and healthcare-associated infections caused by MPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nur 'Ain Hikmah
- Centre of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Tengku Shahrul Anuar
- Centre of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Selangor, Malaysia.,Integrative Pharmacogenomics Institute, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Selangor, Malaysia
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Bacteriological Study of Electronic Devices Used by Healthcare Workers at Ruhengeri Referral Hospital. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2020; 2020:5872929. [PMID: 32685504 PMCID: PMC7330630 DOI: 10.1155/2020/5872929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2020] [Accepted: 06/05/2020] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Electronic devices have become one of the most essential accessories being used in hospitals. Those devices increase the communication and contact making healthcare delivery more efficient and quality service oriented. The study was designed to collect reliable information about the spreading of pathogens through electronic devices especially in sensitive departments. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the bacterial colonization of electronic devices and determine the effectiveness of disinfection with alcohol 70% (w/v) to reduce the bacterial colonization of electronic devices. It was a cross-sectional study where samples were collected by means of moistened swabs in sterile saline solution from 30 electronic devices used by healthcare workers at Ruhengeri Referral Hospital within four different units: maternity, neonathology, intensive care, and theater room. To evaluate the effects of disinfection using 70% isopropyl alcohol, the second sample collection was carried out after decontamination with 70% isopropyl alcohol. Samples were analyzed in the microbiology lab of INES-Ruhengeri. The result showed that Staphylococcus aureus was the most predominant with 22.5%. Lactobacillus and Citrobacter spp. were 12.5%; Pseudomonas aeruginosa, coagulase-negative Staphylococci, and Serratia marcescens were 10%; Escherichia coli was 7.5%; Klebsiella spp. and Providencia spp. were at 5%. The lowest prevalence was 2.5% of Enterobacter spp. and Salmonella spp. The threat of dissemination of isolated microorganisms is valid, since all devices evaluated in this study showed bacterial contamination of species associated to hospital-acquired infections. Special care should be taken when using electronic devices in healthcare settings in addition to disinfection to reduce the risk of transmission of bacterial agents. Further studies should evaluate the antibiotic susceptibility for better conclusive results since all isolated bacteria in this study were subjected to high resistance and were associated with nosocomial infections.
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Olsen M, Campos M, Lohning A, Jones P, Legget J, Bannach-Brown A, McKirdy S, Alghafri R, Tajouri L. Mobile phones represent a pathway for microbial transmission: A scoping review. Travel Med Infect Dis 2020; 35:101704. [PMID: 32360322 PMCID: PMC7187827 DOI: 10.1016/j.tmaid.2020.101704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2020] [Revised: 04/22/2020] [Accepted: 04/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mobile phones have become an integral part of modern society. As possible breeding grounds for microbial organisms, these constitute a potential global public health risk for microbial transmission. OBJECTIVE Scoping review of literature examining microbial's presence on mobile phones in both health care (HC) and community settings. METHODS A search (PubMed&GoogleScholar) was conducted from January 2005-December 2019 to identify English language studies. Studies were included if samples from mobile phones were tested for bacteria, fungi, and/or viruses; and if the sampling was carried out in any HC setting, and/or within the general community. Any other studies exploring mobile phones that did not identify specific microorganisms were excluded. RESULTS A total of 56 studies were included (from 24 countries). Most studies identified the presence of bacteria (54/56), while 16 studies reported the presence of fungi. One study focused solely on RNA viruses. Staphylococcus aureus, and Coagulase-Negative Staphylococci were the most numerous identified organisms present on mobile phones. These two species and Escherichia coli were present in over a third of studies both in HC and community samples. Methicillin-resistant S. aureus, Acinetobacter sp., and Bacillus sp. were present in over a third of the studies in HC settings. CONCLUSIONS While this scoping review of literature regarding microbial identification on mobile phones in HC and community settings did not directly address the issue of SARS-CoV-2 responsible for COVID-19, this work exposes the possible role of mobile phones as a 'Trojan horse' contributing to the transmission of microbial infections in epidemics and pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Olsen
- Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, Bond University, Robina, QLD, Australia
| | - Mariana Campos
- Harry Butler Institute, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA, 6150, Australia
| | - Anna Lohning
- Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, Bond University, Robina, QLD, Australia
| | - Peter Jones
- Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, Bond University, Robina, QLD, Australia
| | - John Legget
- Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, Bond University, Robina, QLD, Australia
| | | | - Simon McKirdy
- Harry Butler Institute, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA, 6150, Australia
| | - Rashed Alghafri
- Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, Bond University, Robina, QLD, Australia; Dubai Police, Dubai, United Arab Emirates; Dubai Police Scientists Council, Dubai Police, Dubai, United Arab Emirates; Dubai Future Council on Community Security, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Lotti Tajouri
- Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, Bond University, Robina, QLD, Australia; Dubai Police Scientists Council, Dubai Police, Dubai, United Arab Emirates; Dubai Future Council on Community Security, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
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Ganesh A, Jeppu U. Microbial Contamination of Cell Phones in Surgery Ward of a Tertiary Care Hospital in South India. Indian J Community Med 2019; 44:289-290. [PMID: 31602123 PMCID: PMC6776945 DOI: 10.4103/ijcm.ijcm_68_19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Arjun Ganesh
- Department of Microbiology, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Mangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Udayalaxmi Jeppu
- Department of Microbiology, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Mangalore, Karnataka, India
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Jansen AS, Balbinot GC, Daur AV, da Silva ACF, Nogueira KS, Fernandes T, Marconi C. Detection of potentially pathogenic bacteria on cell phones of hospital and university-based populations in Curitiba, southern Brazil. A cross-sectional study. SAO PAULO MED J 2019; 137:343-348. [PMID: 31553361 PMCID: PMC9744018 DOI: 10.1590/1516-3180.2018.044305072019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2019] [Accepted: 07/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cell phones have become indispensable for professional activities, including healthcare. Thus, they are possible sources of bacterial contamination. There is a scarcity of data in the literature regarding identification of risk factors for contamination of cell phones with pathogenic bacteria. OBJECTIVE To compare the prevalence rates of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) and/or Enterobacteriaceae on cell phones belonging to hospital healthcare staff and university students in Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil, and to identify variables associated with such contamination. DESIGN AND SETTING Cross-sectional study conducted in a public university's referral hospital and lecture buildings in 2017. METHODS We sampled the surface of cell phones using the dipslide method, with Baird-Parker agar and Escherichia coli-coliform chromogenic (ECC) agar. We assessed the population's sociodemographic, behavioral and hygiene characteristics through interviews. Possible presence of S. aureus colonies was confirmed using agglutination tests, with evaluation of methicillin sensitivity. Colonies in ECC medium were counted. Stepwise logistic regression (forward P < 0.15) was performed to identify characteristics associated with bacterial contamination. RESULTS The prevalence rates of S. aureus, MRSA and Enterobacteriaceae were, respectively, 32%, 4% and 3%. No difference was found between the hospital and university-based populations (P > 0.05). The only variable associated with bacterial contamination was the use of cloth/velvet/leather phone cases (odds ratio: 2.92; 95% confidence interval: 1.08-7.91). CONCLUSIONS Potentially pathogenic bacteria were prevalent on the cell phones of this hospital and university population. Use of phone cases made of cloth-like material should be discouraged, especially in hospital settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andressa Siqueira Jansen
- Undergraduate Student, Biomedical Sciences Course, Universidade Federal do Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba (PR), Brazil.
| | - Giuliano Carlo Balbinot
- Undergraduate Student, Biomedical Sciences Course, Universidade Federal do Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba (PR), Brazil.
| | - Alessandra Vale Daur
- MSc. Technical Manager, Laborclin Produtos para Laboratórios, Pinhais (PR), Brazil.
| | | | - Keite Silva Nogueira
- PhD. Adjunct Professor, Department of Basic Pathology, Universidade Federal do Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba (PR), Brazil.
| | - Thaiz Fernandes
- BSc. Master’s Student, Postgraduate Program, Department of Basic Pathology, Universidade Federal do Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba (PR), Brazil.
| | - Camila Marconi
- PhD. Adjunct Professor, Department of Basic Pathology, Universidade Federal do Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba (PR), Brazil.
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Multidrug-Resistant Bacteria Associated with Cell Phones of Healthcare Professionals in Selected Hospitals in Saudi Arabia. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES & MEDICAL MICROBIOLOGY 2018; 2018:6598918. [PMID: 30675320 PMCID: PMC6323467 DOI: 10.1155/2018/6598918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2018] [Revised: 11/10/2018] [Accepted: 12/09/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Cell phones may be an ideal habitat for colonization by bacterial pathogens, especially in hot climates, and may be a reservoir or vehicle in transmitting nosocomial infections. We investigated bacterial contamination on cell phones of healthcare workers in three hospitals in Saudi Arabia and determined antibacterial resistance of selected bacteria. A questionnaire was submitted to 285 healthcare workers in three hospitals, and information was collected on cell phone usage at the work area and in the toilet, cell phone cleaning and sharing, and awareness of cell phones being a source of infection. Screening on the Vitek 2 Compact system (bioMérieux Inc., USA) was done to characterize bacterial isolates. Of the 60 samples collected from three hospitals, 38 (63.3%) were positive with 38 bacterial isolates (4 Gram-negative and 34 Gram-positive bacteria). We found 38.3% of cell phones were contaminated with coagulase-negative staphylococci, particularly Staphylococcus epidermidis (10 isolates). Other bacterial agents identified were S. aureus, S. hominis, Alloiococcus otitis, Vibrio fluvialis, and Pseudomonas stutzeri. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing showed that most coagulase-negative staphylococci were resistant to benzylpenicillin, erythromycin, and rifampicin. Eight isolates were resistant to oxacillin, specifically S. epidermidis (3), S. hominis (2), and S. warneri (2). A. otitis, a cause of acute otitis media showed multidrug resistance. One isolate, a confirmed hetero-vancomycin intermediate-resistant S. aureus, was resistant to antibiotics, commonly used to treat skin infection. There was a significant correlation between the level of contamination and usage of cell phone at toilet and sharing. Our findings emphasize the importance of hygiene practices in cell phone usage among healthcare workers in preventing the transmission of multidrug-resistant microbes.
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Loyola S, Gutierrez L, Avendaño E, Severino N, Tamariz J. Multidrug-resistant bacteria isolated from cell phones in five intensive care units: Exploratory dispersion analysis. Germs 2018; 8:85-91. [PMID: 29951381 DOI: 10.18683/germs.2018.1135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2017] [Revised: 03/20/2018] [Accepted: 03/23/2018] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Introduction Cell phones are susceptible to bacterial contamination. The aim of this study was to characterize the bacterial isolates and to explore their dispersion in five Intensive Care Units (ICUs) over the time. Methods We performed a secondary analysis of non-fermenting Gram-negative bacteria and Gram-positive cocci isolated from a 5-month observational cohort study developed among health care workers' cell phones in five ICUs. Cell phones were sampled using a swab every 15 days. Antimicrobial resistance was determined by the minimum inhibitory concentration method. We constructed resistance phenotypes to group the isolates according to species and antimicrobial resistance pattern to explore dispersion through time. Results A total of 35 P. aeruginosa, 16 Acinetobacter spp., 30 S. aureus and 26 Enterococcus spp. were isolated from 491 phone samples. Multidrug resistance was 2.9% for P. aeruginosa, 31.3% for Acinetobacter spp., 46.7% for S. aureus and 80.8% for Enterococcus spp. The resistance to methicillin in S. aureus and to vancomycin in Enterococcus spp. was 26.7% and 42.3%, respectively. We did not observe distribution patterns or clusters over the time for P. aeruginosa, Acinetobacter spp. and Enterococcus spp. isolates. All the S. aureus isolates grouped into eight phenotypes. Interestingly, we observed S. aureus isolates with the same phenotype in consecutive and separate sampling dates in the same cell phone. Conclusion Cell phones are contaminated with highly harmful bacteria and potentially can maintain them for prolonged periods of time. These devices could be considered as a potential source of nosocomial infections in ICUs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steev Loyola
- MSc, MT, School of Medicine, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, 430 Honorio Delgado Ave., Lima 31, Peru
| | - Luz Gutierrez
- MT, School of Medicine, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, 430 Honorio Delgado Ave., Lima 31, Peru
| | - Estrella Avendaño
- MT, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, 430 Honorio Delgado Ave., Lima 31, Peru
| | - Nixon Severino
- MT, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, 430 Honorio Delgado Ave., Lima 31, Peru
| | - Jesus Tamariz
- PhD, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, 430 Honorio Delgado Ave., Lima 31, Peru
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Debnath T, Bhowmik S, Islam T, Hassan Chowdhury MM. Presence of Multidrug-Resistant Bacteria on Mobile Phones of Healthcare Workers Accelerates the Spread of Nosocomial Infection and Regarded as a Threat to Public Health in Bangladesh. J Microsc Ultrastruct 2018; 6:165-169. [PMID: 30221143 PMCID: PMC6130244 DOI: 10.4103/jmau.jmau_30_18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Recently, mobile phones have become a potent vector for the transmission of pathogens. In hospitals, the use of the mobile phones by healthcare workers in an unhygienic manner accelerates the spread of nosocomial infection. We aimed to investigate the prevalence of microbiological contamination of mobile phones belonging to clinicians in Bangladesh hospitals. From 100 samples, we identified 69 isolates of bacteria including 22 Staphylococcus aureus; 11 Pseudomonas aeruginosa; 14 Escherichia coli; 6 Salmonella typhi 6 and 16 Staphylococcus epidermidis. On the basis of antibiotic susceptibility test using 11 antibiotics, it has been observed that most of the isolated bacteria became resistant to antibiotics and compared to other isolates, isolates of S. epidermidis and S. typhi were more resistant and sensitive, respectively. About 68.8% isolates showed that their resistance capacities against ampicillin but in contrast, 56.6% isolated were susceptible to imipenem. Azithromycin and imipenem against S. aureus, gentamicin against P. aeruginosa, tetracycline and imipenem against E. coli, tetracycline against S. typhi, and S. epidermidis revealed significant antimicrobial affectivity. We found that mobile phones are potential vectors to spread antibiotic-resistant nosocomial pathogens. Based on the study, an effective disinfection practice for cellular phones used in hospitals should be introduced to prevent the potential of cross-contamination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tonmoy Debnath
- Department of Public Health and Institute of Public Health, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung City, Taiwan
| | - Shukanta Bhowmik
- Department of Microbiology, Noakhali Science and Technology University, Noakhali, Bangladesh
| | - Tarequl Islam
- Department of Applied Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Noakhali Science and Technology University, Noakhali, Bangladesh
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Raza I, Raza A, Razaa SA, Sadar AB, Qureshi AU, Talib U, Chi G. Surface Microbiology of Smartphone Screen Protectors Among Healthcare Professionals. Cureus 2017; 9:e1989. [PMID: 29503783 PMCID: PMC5826748 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.1989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The use of smartphones with touch screens has become a norm for healthcare professionals (HCP). The risk of smart screen contamination has been proven, and guidelines are available to deal with possible contamination. A large number of smartphone users apply plastic or glass screen protectors onto their mobile phone screens to prevent scratches. However, these materials are not scratch proof, and their antipathogenic properties have not been studied. METHODS We have conducted a study to determine the frequency of smartphone screen protector contamination and compared the data with contamination on the bare area on the same mobile screens. The sample size included only HCPs working in acute care settings and having at least eight hours of exposure time every day. RESULTS A total of 64 samples were collected, which reported 62.5% (n = 40/64) positive culture swabs from the protected areas of the screen and 45.3% (n = 29/64) from the unprotected area of the screen. Micrococcus and Gram-negative rods grew only on samples taken from the protected area whereas the bare area showed no such growth. There was no statistically significant difference in the frequency based on smart screen size, duration of use during duty hours, or the setting where it was used. CONCLUSIONS Smartphone screen protectors from healthcare providers may harbor pathogenic bacteria, especially in acute care settings. Coagulase-negative Staphylococci followed by Bacillus species were the most commonly yielded bacteria among house officers and postgraduate trainees in the present study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ibrahim Raza
- Department of Medicine, King Edward Medical University Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Awais Raza
- Department of Medicine, King Edward Medical University Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Syed Ahmad Razaa
- Department of Medicine, King Edward Medical University Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Ahmad Bani Sadar
- Department of Medicine, King Edward Medical University Lahore, Pakistan
| | | | - Usama Talib
- Cardiology Department, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
| | - Gerald Chi
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
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Mohammadi A, Ebrahimi A, Nemati S. Bacterial and Fungal Contamination of Elevator Buttons in University Schools of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran. HEALTH SCOPE 2016. [DOI: 10.17795/jhealthscope-49961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Mohammadi A, Ebrahimi A, Nemati S. Bacterial and Fungal Contamination of Elevator Buttons in University Schools of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran. HEALTH SCOPE 2016. [DOI: 10.17795/jhealthscope-34428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Kacmaz B, Gul S. A comparison of the recoverable proportion of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus from two different types of papers. GMS HYGIENE AND INFECTION CONTROL 2016; 11:Doc06. [PMID: 26985400 PMCID: PMC4786743 DOI: 10.3205/dgkh000266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Aim: Paper is used for various purposes in hospitals. Generally, there are two different types of paper, which are commonly used in our facility: wood-free paper, and paper containing wood. We compared the recoverable proportion of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA; ATCC 43300) from the surface of such papers. Method: The papers were divided into two groups: Group 1: wood-free paper; Group 2: paper containing wood. The papers were contaminated in a standardized procedure with 0.1 mL of a 5×107 CFU MRSA/mL stock solution. Results: The recoverable proportion of MRSA was higher in the wood-containing papers than in the papers without wood (P=0.043). Conclusion: This study indicates that if paper is purchased for healthcare facilities it should not contain wood, but rather wood-free paper types should be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Birgul Kacmaz
- Kirikkale University, Medical Faculty, Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Yahsihan/Kirikkale, Turkey
| | - Serdar Gul
- Kirikkale University, Medical Faculty, Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Yahsihan/Kirikkale, Turkey
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Lack of Involvement of Fenton Chemistry in Death of Methicillin-Resistant and Methicillin-Sensitive Strains of Staphylococcus aureus and Destruction of Their Genomes on Wet or Dry Copper Alloy Surfaces. Appl Environ Microbiol 2016; 82:2132-2136. [PMID: 26826226 DOI: 10.1128/aem.03861-15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2015] [Accepted: 01/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The pandemic of hospital-acquired infections caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has declined, but the evolution of strains with enhanced virulence and toxins and the increase of community-associated infections are still a threat. In previous studies, 10(7) MRSA bacteria applied as simulated droplet contamination were killed on copper and brass surfaces within 90 min. However, contamination of surfaces is often via finger tips and dries rapidly, and it may be overlooked by cleaning regimes (unlike visible droplets). In this new study, a 5-log reduction of a hardy epidemic strain of MRSA (epidemic methicillin-resistant S. aureus 16 [EMRSA-16]) was observed following 10 min of contact with copper, and a 4-log reduction was observed on copper nickel and cartridge brass alloys in 15 min. A methicillin-sensitive S. aureus (MSSA) strain from an osteomyelitis patient was killed on copper surfaces in 15 min, and 4-log and 3-log reductions occurred within 20 min of contact with copper nickel and cartridge brass, respectively. Bacterial respiration was compromised on copper surfaces, and superoxide was generated as part of the killing mechanism. In addition, destruction of genomic DNA occurs on copper and brass surfaces, allaying concerns about horizontal gene transfer and copper resistance. Incorporation of copper alloy biocidal surfaces may help to reduce the spread of this dangerous pathogen.
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Zakai S, Mashat A, Abumohssin A, Samarkandi A, Almaghrabi B, Barradah H, Jiman-Fatani A. Bacterial contamination of cell phones of medical students at King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. J Microsc Ultrastruct 2016; 4:143-146. [PMID: 30023220 PMCID: PMC6014197 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmau.2015.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2015] [Revised: 12/22/2015] [Accepted: 12/28/2015] [Indexed: 10/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell phones are commonly used in healthcare settings for rapid communication within hospitals. Concerns have been increased about the use of these devices in hospitals, as they can be used everywhere, even in toilets. Therefore, they can be vehicles for transmitting pathogens to patients. This study aimed to examine the presence of pathogenic bacteria on the surfaces of cell phones that are used frequently by preclinical medical students. This cross-sectional study identified both pathogenic and nonpathogenic bacteria on cell phones of 105 medical students at King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, using standard microbiological methods. Out of 105 cell phones screened, 101 (96.2%) were contaminated with bacteria. Coagulase-negative staphylococci were the most abundant isolates (68%). Seventeen (16.2%) cell phones were found to harbor Staphylococcus aureus. Gram-positive bacilli were isolated from 20 (19%) samples. Viridans streptococci and Pantoea species were also isolated but at lower levels. Our findings indicate that cell phones can act as reservoirs of both pathogenic and nonpathogenic organisms. Therefore, full guidelines about restricting the use of cell phones in clinical environments, hand hygiene, and frequent decontamination of mobile devices are recommended at an early stage in medical schools, to limit the risk of cross-contamination and healthcare-associated infections caused by cell phones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shadi Zakai
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdullah Mashat
- Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Ahmad Samarkandi
- Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Basim Almaghrabi
- Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hesham Barradah
- Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Asif Jiman-Fatani
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.,Clinical and Molecular Microbiology Laboratory, King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
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