The Importance of Mobile Phones in the Possible Transmission of Bacterial Infections in the Community

Abstract

Mobile phones have become indispensable accessories in today's life. However, they might act as fomites as they have travelled with their owner to places such as toilets, hospitals and kitchens which are loaded with microorganisms. A cross-sectional study was carried out to isolate and identify bacteria from mobile phones of volunteers in the community. A total of 192 mobile phones from 102 males and 90 females were swabbed and cultured. The bacteria were identified by gram staining and conventional biochemical tests. A total of 176 mobile phones (91.7 %) showed bacterial contamination. Coagulase negative Staphylococcus was the most prevalent (69.3 %) followed by Micrococci (51.8 %), Klebsiella (1.5 %) and Pseudomonas (1 %). The mean colony forming units was higher among females than males (p < 0.05; 95 % CI 0.021-0.365) and higher on mobile phones which were kept in bags than in pockets (p < 0.05; 95 % CI 0.019-0.369). Furthermore, the use of phone cover was found to reduce microbial growth (OR 4.2; 95 % CI 1.423-12.39; p < 0.05). Significant associations were also found between bacterial growth and female participants, agricultural workers, mobile phones older than 6 months and sharing of mobile phones (p < 0.05). Mobile phones from the community carry potential pathogens. Cleaning of mobile phones should be encouraged and should be preferably stored in pockets or carry cases.

High level bacterial contamination of secondary school students’ mobile phones

“…This was different from previous studies where not all phones were found to be contaminated, 10,11 although in these studies methods other than contact plate were used. On the other hand a study by Lee et al 12 using the agar touch method revealed bacteria in all phones.…”

Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Associated with Mobile Phones

“…This finding is comparatively higher than our study in which 40.2% of the respondents used their mobile phones in toilets. Mobile phones can act as fomites as they are contaminated by users from areas such as toilets, hospitals and kitchens, which are burdened with microorganisms [26]. Furthermore, Giannini et al reported that hospital's toilets are the source for MRSA [27].…”

Microbial Exchange via Fomites and Implications for Human Health

“…Some of the greatest concerns for antibiotic-resistant bacteria transmission occur in healthcare environments where contamination and transmission are possible through numerous fomites, ranging from mobile phones [89] to medical devices [90] to surgical tape [91] to doctors' handbags [92]. While it has been hypothesized that many of these fomites have been important sources, closer investigation often reveals a more nuanced understanding.…”