They are carriers of Staphylococcus aureusbetter known as staphylococci aureus. Laptops, already identified as veritable nests of microbes, would thus be responsible for many infections in the hospital environment. A situation explained by scientists from the University of Sao Paulo (Brazil) during the annual meeting organized by the American Society of Microbiology from June 20 to 24 in San Francisco (United States). According to their research, 40% of health student smartphones present on their surface these pathogenic agents, highly resistant to antibiotics.
To reach these conclusions, the researchers collected samples from 100 cell phones of students in biomedicine, pharmacy, dentistry, nutrition, or nursing. In the end, a large majority of the bacteria isolated came from the smartphones of future nurses (70%), because they practice many internships in the hospital environment. However, 85% of the germs discovered were resistant to penicillin, and 50% were able to adhere to surfaces.
Reservoirs of bacteria responsible for nosocomial infections
The bacteria present on the surface of the devices are therefore transmitted to the hospital, contributing to an increase in infections and mortality there. “The widespread use of mobile phones in hospitals and health institutes has raised significant concerns about nosocomial infections, especially in areas that require the highest standards of hygiene, like operating rooms for example”explains Professor Lizzinae Kretli, cited by the Science Daily.
The Nosocomial infections or healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) occur during the treatment of a patient by a healthcare professional. Each year in France, 470,000 individuals are affected after being integrated into the establishment, and 4,000 people die. A proportion that does not decrease. “In this context, mobile phones could serve as a reservoir of bacteria known to cause nosocomial infections and could play a role in their transmission to patients through the hands of healthcare professionals”she continues.
However, researchers from the University of Sao Paulo recognize the importance of this tool in the work of caregivers. It would be the effective successor of the beep to allow doctors to communicate with each other, or to be contacted quickly in the event of an emergency.
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