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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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Christie J, Walsh T, Lee C, Stefanacci P. Process improvement: Use of UV-C for healthcare cell phone disinfection. Am J Infect Control 2021; 49:1292-1294. [PMID: 34153404 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajic.2021.06.007] [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: 04/05/2021] [Revised: 06/13/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Cell phones are increasingly used in healthcare on a daily basis. However, development of protocols to ensure cleanliness of these devices has not kept pace. The most common method of disinfecting cell phones is the use of germicidal impregnated disposable wipes, though there are a number of limitations associated with this method. One acute care hospital, part of a multi-hospital system, embarked on a study to compare the efficacy, workflow, and staff satisfaction of germicidal wipes versus a novel UV-C light device, concluding that the UV-C device was superior.
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Correa GH, Formigoni CDS, Sasagawa SM, Arnoni MV, Mathias LADST, Mimica MJ. Mobile phones of anesthesiologists as reservoirs of nosocomial bacteria in a quaternary teaching hospital: an observational study. Braz J Anesthesiol 2021; 73:276-282. [PMID: 34563561 DOI: 10.1016/j.bjane.2021.08.013] [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: 02/05/2021] [Revised: 08/14/2021] [Accepted: 08/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mobile phones in hospital settings have been identified as an important source of cross-contamination because of the low frequency with which mobile phones are cleaned by health workers and cyclical contamination of the hands and face. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the mobile phones of the anesthesia team at a teaching hospital are potential reservoirs of nosocomial bacteria. In addition, differences in device sanitization and hand hygiene habits between attending and resident anesthesiologists were correlated with mobile phone colonization. METHODS A prevalence study was conducted over a 6-month period from 2017 to 2018 that involved the collection of samples from the mobile phones of the anesthesiology team and culturing for surveillance. A questionnaire was administered to assess the mobile phone sanitization and hand washing routines of the anesthesia team in specific situations. RESULTS Bacterial contamination was detected for 86 of the 128 mobile phones examined (67.2%). A greater presence of Micrococcus spp. on devices was correlated with a higher frequency of mobile phone use (p=0.003) and a lower frequency of sanitization (p=0.003). The presence of bacteria was increased on the mobile phones of professionals who did not perform handwashing after tracheal intubation (p=0.003). CONCLUSION Hand hygiene and device sanitization habits were more important than the use behavior, as a higher presence of bacteria correlated with poorer hygiene habits. Furthermore, handwashing is the best approach to prevent serious colonization of mobile devices and the possible transmission of pathogens to patients under the care of anesthesiologists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guilherme Haelvoet Correa
- Hospital e Maternidade Santa Joana - Grupo Santa Joana, Departamento de Anestesiologia, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
| | | | - Suzethe Matiko Sasagawa
- Santa Casa de São Paulo, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Departamento de Patologia, Divisão de Microbiologia, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Mariana Volpe Arnoni
- Santa Casa de São Paulo Hospital, Serviço de Controle de Infecção Hospitalar, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Marcelo Jennè Mimica
- Santa Casa de São Paulo, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Departamento de Patologia, Divisão de Microbiologia, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
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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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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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Ibrahim T, Chamseddine AN, Baz M. Mobile phones: A forgotten source of SARS-CoV-2 transmission. Am J Infect Control 2020; 48:971-972. [PMID: 32464293 PMCID: PMC7247981 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajic.2020.05.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2020] [Accepted: 05/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Tony Ibrahim
- International Department of Medical Oncology, Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus, Villejuif, France.
| | - Ali N Chamseddine
- International Department of Medical Oncology, Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus, Villejuif, France
| | - Maria Baz
- Tumor Biology Department, Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus, Villejuif, France
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