Staphylococcus aureus surface contamination of mobile phones and presence of genetically identical strains on the hands of nursing personnel

Abstract

We investigated the genetic relatedness of Staphylococcus aureus isolates recovered from mobile phones and palms and fingers of users. Genetically identical isolates were detected from mobile phones and their user and multiple users, which is consistent with mobile phones serving as reservoirs of infection in the health care environment. These findings reinforce the need for hand hygiene prior to patient contact as the most effective intervention for preventing health care-associated infection.

Keywords: Bacterial contamination; DNA fingerprinting; Health care–associated infection; Mobile phones; Nursing personnel; Staphylococcus aureus.