Mobile Phones: Reservoirs of Resistant Bacteria during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Mobile phones are excessively used even though microbes' ability to survive on phone surfaces was confirmed. During the COVID-19 pandemic, heavy hygiene practices have been applied to mobile surfaces. Therefore, it is interesting to evaluate the emergence of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria on mobile phone surfaces.

Methods

A random sampling technique was utilized on residents in Abu Dhabi, UAE between May and June 2021. A swab sample from each participant's mobile phone was collected and transported to the microbiology laboratory for bacterial culture and antimicrobial susceptibility tests. Furthermore, a cross-sectional study was conducted via a self-administered questionnaire filled by participants. The questionnaire was used to collect sociodemographic data, p

SUBMITTER: Kayed K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9962086 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature