Browsing by Author "Sandhya Khunger"

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    The Role of Mobile Phones in Spreading MRSA and Multidrug-Resistant Microorganisms: From Hands to Wards
    (Chitkara University Publications, 2025-10-30) Mukul Mudgal; Mahesh Kumar Seth; Rituparna Saha; Akriti Sharma; Sandhya Khunger
    Background: Mobile phones are essential tools for healthcare workers (HCWs) but may act as reservoirs of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria, contributing to hospital-acquired infections (HAIs). Purpose: This study investigates bacterial contamination on HCWs’ mobile phones, their resistance patterns, and associated usage practices. Methods: A six-month cross-sectional study was conducted at SGT Hospital, Gurugram. A total of 120 mobile phones (100 HCWs, 20 non-HCWs) were swabbed from commonly touched areas. Samples were cultured on standard media, and isolates were identified by morphological and biochemical methods. Antibiotic susceptibility testing of Staphylococcus aureus was performed using the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method. PCR assays targeting 16S rRNA and mecA genes were used for molecular confirmation of bacterial isolates and methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA). A structured questionnaire assessed participants’ mobile phone usage and hygiene practices. Results: Of the 120 phones, 95 (79.1%) showed bacterial contamination. Predominant isolates included diphtheroids (37.5%), S. aureus (27.5%), Micrococcus (26.6%), Bacillus (13.3%), and Acinetobacter (5.8%). Among 33 S. aureus isolates, 16 (48.5%) were MRSA by culture, while PCR confirmed 14 as mecA-positive. Resistance was highest to penicillin, erythromycin, and cefoxitin. Contamination correlated significantly with risk behaviors such as phone use in washrooms and lack of cleaning practices (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Mobile phones of HCWs are major reservoirs of MDR bacteria, particularly MRSA, posing a hidden risk of nosocomial transmission. Implementation of standardized phone-cleaning protocols and behavioral guidelines is essential to reduce device-mediated infection spread.