Mobile phones (MPs) are commonly used both in the personal and professional life. We assessed microbiological contamination of MPs from 108 students in healthcare professions (HPs), in relation to their demographic characteristics and MPs handling habits, collected by means of a questionnaire. Cultural and biochemical tests were performed, and statistical analyses were carried out. Staphylococci were present in 85% of MPs, Enterococci in 37%, Coliforms in 6.5%; E. coli was never detected. Staphylococcus epidermidis was the most frequently isolated staphylococcal species (72% of MPs), followed by S. capitis (14%), S. saprophyticus, S. warneri, S. xylosus (6%), and by S. aureus (4%). Heterotrophic Plate Counts (HPC) at 37◦C, ranged from 0 to 1.2 × 104 CFU/dm2 (mean = 362 CFU/dm2). In univariate analysis, the male gender only was significantly associated with higher HPCs and enterococcal contamination. Multiple linear regression models explained only 17% and 16% of the HPC 37◦C and staphylococcal load variability, respectively. Developing specific guidelines for a hygienic use of MPs in clinical settings, for preventing cross-infection risks, is advisable, as well as introducing specific training programs to HP students. MPs decontamination procedures could also be implemented in the community.

Cicciarella Modica, D., Maurici, M., D'Alo, G.l., Mozzetti, C., Messina, A., Distefano, A., et al. (2020). Taking screenshots of the invisible: A study on bacterial contamination of mobile phones from university students of healthcare professions in Rome, Italy. MICROORGANISMS, 8(7) [10.3390/microorganisms8071075].

Taking screenshots of the invisible: A study on bacterial contamination of mobile phones from university students of healthcare professions in Rome, Italy

Maurici M.;Mozzetti C.;Messina A.;Pica F.;De Filippis P.
2020-07-01

Abstract

Mobile phones (MPs) are commonly used both in the personal and professional life. We assessed microbiological contamination of MPs from 108 students in healthcare professions (HPs), in relation to their demographic characteristics and MPs handling habits, collected by means of a questionnaire. Cultural and biochemical tests were performed, and statistical analyses were carried out. Staphylococci were present in 85% of MPs, Enterococci in 37%, Coliforms in 6.5%; E. coli was never detected. Staphylococcus epidermidis was the most frequently isolated staphylococcal species (72% of MPs), followed by S. capitis (14%), S. saprophyticus, S. warneri, S. xylosus (6%), and by S. aureus (4%). Heterotrophic Plate Counts (HPC) at 37◦C, ranged from 0 to 1.2 × 104 CFU/dm2 (mean = 362 CFU/dm2). In univariate analysis, the male gender only was significantly associated with higher HPCs and enterococcal contamination. Multiple linear regression models explained only 17% and 16% of the HPC 37◦C and staphylococcal load variability, respectively. Developing specific guidelines for a hygienic use of MPs in clinical settings, for preventing cross-infection risks, is advisable, as well as introducing specific training programs to HP students. MPs decontamination procedures could also be implemented in the community.
lug-2020
Pubblicato
Rilevanza internazionale
Articolo
Esperti anonimi
Settore MED/42 - IGIENE GENERALE E APPLICATA
Settore MED/07 - MICROBIOLOGIA E MICROBIOLOGIA CLINICA
English
Cross infection
Epidemic
Fomites
Health occupations
Hygiene
Staphylococcaceae
Students
https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2607/8/7/1075
Cicciarella Modica, D., Maurici, M., D'Alo, G.l., Mozzetti, C., Messina, A., Distefano, A., et al. (2020). Taking screenshots of the invisible: A study on bacterial contamination of mobile phones from university students of healthcare professions in Rome, Italy. MICROORGANISMS, 8(7) [10.3390/microorganisms8071075].
Cicciarella Modica, D; Maurici, M; D'Alo, Gl; Mozzetti, C; Messina, A; Distefano, A; Pica, F; De Filippis, P
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/2108/262658
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