Research Article Open Access

Is Cellular Phone a Source of Infection?-A Hospital Based Study among Dentists in Ajman and Sharjah, UAE.

Abstract

This study was carried out to know the different micro-organisms harboring the cell phones of health care persons working in the dental centre of our hospital and to determine what are the potential pathogenic organisms transmitted via mobile phones. An interviewer-administered questionnaire was used for data collection. Two samples were collected by rotating the swabs over all the surfaces of cell phones; one without any sterilization and second sample after decontaminating the cell phone using isopropyl alcohol in the morning. The swabs were inoculated and streaked onto five per cent sheep blood agar, Mac-Conkey agar and chocolate agar. Isolated organisms were processed according to colony morphology and gram stain. Tests for identification of gram positive cocci included catalase, Oxidative/ Fermentative test, anaerobic mannitol fermentation and coagulase production. Tests for identification of gram negative bacilli included catalase, oxidase and other relevant biochemical tests (API 20E). In the samples taken without prior decontamination, 40% of the samples did not show any growth. Staphylococcus species dominated the growth in the remaining specimens. Gram positive bacilli, Pantoe species and Enterobacter Cloacae were also found. In the samples taken with prior decontamination at the beginning of the day, 36% of the samples did not show any growth. Staphylococcus species dominated the growth in the remaining specimens. Gram positive bacilli, Micrococci and Citrobacter Freundii were also found. Since dental aerosols are proven risk factor; any method of reducing aerosols and airborne contamination should be employed along with regular decontamination of cell phones.

Prathibha Prasad, Mohanlal Bhat, and Sura Ali Ahmed Fouad Al-Bayati

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