Cell Phones: A Mechanical Vector For Bacterial Pathogens

Cell phones are increasingly becoming an important means of communication. These cells phones can harbour various potential pathogens and become an exogenous source of nosocomial infection among hospitalized patients and also a potential health hazard for self and family members. A total of 100 cell phones belonging to dentists and patients visiting dental hospital at Sri Sai College of Dental Surgery were screened for bacterial isolates. Sterile swabs moistened with saline were swabbed all the external surfaces of the cell phones and were subjected to culture and sensitivity. Out of total 100 cell phones (50 dentists-50 patients), growth was obtained in 41(51.25%) dentists and 39 (48.75%) patients. Methicillin sensitive coagulase negative was the most commonly isolated organism. The use of cell phones by dentists may serve as potential vehicles (mechanical vectors) for the spread of nosocomial pathogens and the associated nosocomial transmission of pathogens. It is recommended, therefore, that cell phones in the hospital should be regularly decontaminated and dentists should practice a good personal hygiene