Mobile Phones as Vectors of Microbial Transmission: A Study on Staff at Mandsaur University

Abstract

Introduction: In recent years, mobile phones have become an indispensable tool for communication, work, and personal use, with nearly universal adoption across diverse populations. These devices are frequently handled, carried, and used in a variety of environments, often without routine cleaning or sanitation, making them potential vectors for microbial contamination and transmission. Given their extensive surface area and the constant contact with human skin, mobile phones are susceptible to accumulating a wide array of microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses. This issue has garnered increasing scientific attention, especially in settings where device sharing and communal workspaces are common, such as in universities, hospitals, and other institutions.

Objectives: This study aims to investigate the types and diversity of microbial flora present on mobile phones used by university staff at Mandsaur University in Mandsaur, Madhya Pradesh.

      Methods: Study Population: Select a diverse group of participants from different university departments, including faculty, administrative, and support staff. Sample Size: Determine a sample size that ensures statistical significance (e.g., 60 mobile phones across various staff categories). Sampling Procedure: Use sterile cotton swabs to collect samples from participants’ mobile phone surfaces. Swab areas can include screens, cases, and buttons, which are high-contact points. Swab Technique: Moisten sterile swabs with saline solution, and then gently swab the surface areas of each phone for approximately 10 seconds in a standardized manner to ensure consistency across samples.

      Results: Mobile phones are often found to harbor a significant amount of microbial flora, measured in colony-forming units (CFUs). Average CFUs may range widely depending on hygiene practices, frequency of phone cleaning, and the type of occupation of the phone user. Common bacteria isolated include Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterococcus spp.. These bacteria are often linked to infections, with Staphylococcus aureus being particularly prevalent on devices due to skin contact.

Conclusions: This study underscores the role of mobile phones as potential vectors for microbial transmission, particularly within a working staff of university. Particular habits, such as the use of a flip cover and cleaning the MP with a dry towel, in our work were associated with higher HPC 37°C, staphylococcal, and enterococcal growth—in our opinion, if these results were confirmed through further research, these habits should be discouraged among HCWs.