Evaluación microbiológica de la superficie de teléfonos celulares de los estudiantes de sexto semestre de la carrera de Bioquímica y Farmacia

Abstract

The present study aimed to identify the microorganisms present on the surface of cell phones of Biochemistry and Pharmacy students. In recent years, importance has been given to the problems caused by the excessive use of cell phones in daily life, since it influences work, social and family performance and has even been described as a vehicle for the transmission of infections. A sample was taken from the surface, edges and back of 30 cell phones using the swab technique described in the Technical Guide for the microbiological analysis of surfaces in contact with food and beverages N° 461- MINSA. The test for the presence of total coliforms was performed, as well as successive sowings in order to isolate bacterial strains and perform biochemical tests. From these bacterial strains, bacterial sensitivity tests were performed. As a result, 5 bacterial strains of clinical interest were identified: Staphylococcus saprophyticus (38.46%), Staphylococcus epidermidis (15.38%), Staphylococcus aureus (23.08%), Escherichia coli (19.23%) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (3.85%). Bacterial sensitivity tests were performed, determining that certain bacteria present resistance or multi-resistance to antibiotics that were chosen based on the Surveillance Manual of the National Reference Center for Antimicrobial Resistance (CRN-RAM- 2023) and the European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing. The presence of fungi was also observed in Petrifilm surface, with yeasts being found in a higher proportion (93.33%), while in no sample was the presence of molds found. It was concluded that although microorganisms belonging to the normal flora of human beings are found in the cell phone, it can be a vehicle for pathogens that damage health, and it becomes a major problem when these bacteria present resistance to antibiotics.