Degree of Bacterial Contamination of Mobile Phone and Computer Keyboard Surfaces and Efficacy of Disinfection with Chlorhexidine Digluconate and Triclosan to Its Reduction

Abstract

The main aim of our study was to verify the effectiveness of simple disinfection using wet wipes for reduction of microbial contamination of mobile phones and computer keyboards. Bacteriological swabs were taken before and after disinfection with disinfectant wipes with active ingredients chlorhexidine digluconate and triclosan. The incidence and type of microorganisms isolated before and after disinfection was evaluated; the difference was expressed as percentage of contamination reduction. Our results confirmed the high degree of surface contamination with bacteria, some of which are opportunistic pathogens for humans. Before the process of disinfection, on both surfaces, mobile phones, and computer keyboards, the common skin commensal bacteria like coagulase-negative staphylococci were diagnosed most frequently. On the keyboards, species of the genus Bacillus and representatives of the family Enterobacteriaceae were abundant. The potentially pathogenic species were represented by Staphylococcus aureus. Cultivation of swabs performed 5 min after disinfection and subsequent calculation of the reduction of contamination have shown that simple wiping with antibacterial wet wipe led to a significant reduction of microbial contamination of surfaces, with effect ranging from 36.8 to 100%.

Plastic wrap combined with alcohol wiping is an effective method of preventing bacterial colonization on mobile phones

“…Although people are taught to wash their hands frequently and to maintain good overall hygiene, they may not clean these devices (e.g., touch screens, keyboards) as often as they should. According to previous research, bacteria may not only collect and live on keyboards [ 6 ] but also on the surfaces of mobile phones. [ 7 ] The most common pathogens found on mobile phones include Coagulase-negative Staphylococcus , S. aureus , Micrococcus species, Enterobacter species, Escherichia coli , Klebsiella species and Enterococcus species.…”

“…Using mobile phones for communication is a common practice in emergency departments; however, several studies have demonstrated that they may act as vectors for bacteria and viruses. [ 6 – 9 ] Therefore, some hospital staff members began wrapping their mobile phones in plastic because they thought this would decrease the chances of contamination. This study evaluated the effectiveness of plastic wrapping in decreasing bacterial contamination on mobile phone surfaces.…”

SARS-CoV-2 Persistence: Data Summary up to Q2 2020

“…i Poor penetration; it does not penetrate paper, glass, clothing and, if the virus is nested in the fabric, it risks not being reached; ii Minimum distance from UV source to treated material; iii Energy and lamp costs (replacement every 8000 h); iv Dependence on environmental conditions (relative humidity); v Containment of operator exposure considering mutagenicity for humans (skin, eyes): in this case the 222 nm radiation, the most active on viruses, is the least penetrating in the skin and dangerous for humans but the eyes should still be protected; vi Degradation of colors, especially for less solid shades, since every minute of exposure to light ultraviolet of the lamp corresponds to a few hours of exposure to sunlight [46][47][48][49][50][51].…”

Isolieren wir Keime oder Patienten? Isolationsmaßnahmen unter der Lupe

“…In vielen Studien wurde die Kontamination von Tastaturen und Telefonen belegt. Durch Desinfektion konnten dabei nur 50 % der Darmbakterien vom Equipment beseitigt werden [16]. Die Berührung per se gilt als wichtige Übertragungsquelle [17] [18].…”