Pérez-Cano HJ, Reyes Santos MF, César Moreno BM. Microbiota in mobile phones of medical ophthalmologists.
Arch Soc Esp Oftalmol (Engl Ed) 2019;
94:55-59. [PMID:
30583811 DOI:
10.1016/j.oftal.2018.11.006]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2018] [Revised: 10/24/2018] [Accepted: 11/06/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE
To determine the microbiota of mobile phones used during the ophthalmological consultation by medical personnel, patients, and family members.
METHODS
An analysis was made on the mobile phones of the medical staff and of patients and/or family members in the area of clinical specialty. A survey was conducted to evaluate the pattern of use and disinfection of mobile phones. A smear sample was taken from the mobile phones. The specimens obtained were inoculated in culture media and incubated at 37°C for 24hours. Genus and species were identified in the positive cultures and the results obtained were analysed using descriptive statistics.
RESULTS
An analysis was made on 71 mobile phones of medical personnel and 52 from patients and/or family members. The microorganisms isolated in the mobile phones of the ophthalmologists were: coagulase-negative staphylococci 50%, Staphylococcus aureus 32.4%, enterobacteria 4.2%, Actinomycetes 4.2%, and 9.8% were negative. On the other hand, in the phones of patients and relatives, the isolated microorganisms were Staphylococcus aureus 75%, coagulase-negative staphylococci 24%, and enterobacteria 1%.
CONCLUSIONS
The results obtained show that mobile phones, both of the medical staff and of the patients and their relatives, contain bacteria considered pathogenic that could cause an infection. It is important to establish a routine practice of cleaning mobile phones and to make the population aware of hygiene habits, since they are responsible for the care of their eyes after consultation.
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