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

Publication date: Available online 11 April 2017
Source:American Journal of Infection Control
Author(s): Akiko Katsuse Kanayama, Hiroshi Takahashi, Sadako Yoshizawa, Kazuhiro Tateda, Akihiro Kaneko, Intetsu Kobayashi
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.



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