Assessment of Gram-positive Bacterial Contamination on Mobile Phone's Headsets Among Universities Students

Abstract

This study was conducted in Khartoum State to assess the Gram-positive bacterial contamination on mobile phone headsets among universities students. Mobile phone headsets were sampled by mean of sterile cotton swabs moistened in sterile normal saline. The swabs were cultured on nutrient agar to determine bacterial load by Pour Plate Method. The isolated Gram-positive bacteria were identified by colonial morphology, Gram stain and biochemical tests. Out of 200 samples investigated, only 11 (5.5%) showed bacterial growth. The mean bacterial load was ranged from 8X107 to 30X107CFU/ml. Nine (9) Gram-positive bacteria were recovered and the other 2 isolates were Gram- negative bacteria. These were Staphylococcus aureus 6(66.7%), Staphylococcus epidermidis 2(22.2%) and Bacillus sp. 1(1.11%). The distribution of isolated Gram-positive bacteria from mobile phone headsets of students were as follows; 3(33.3%) from University of Khartoum, 2(22.2%) from Sudan University of Science and Technology, 1(11.1%) from Omdurman Islamic University, 2(22.2%) from Al Neelain University and 1(11.1%) Bahry University. Ther were no bacteria isolated from the mobile phone headsets of students from The National Rebat University, Albian college, and Africa International University. Out of the 9 Gram- positive isolates, 6(66.7%) were isolated from female mobile phone headsets and 3(33.3%) were isolated from male mobile phone headsets. The study concluded that the level of contamination of mobile phone headsets is not so high. Potentially pathogenic Gram-positive bacteria were isolated from mobile phone headsets. Education of students in the importance of cleaning of headsets is highly recommended. Further studies are required to validate the results of the present study.