Publication:

Prevalence of causative bacteria on cell phones of patients with chronic suppurative otitis media: a descriptive cross-sectional study

Background The aim of this study is to identify the prevalence of causative bacteria on the cell phones of patients with chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM).

Methods Fifty clinic patients were randomly selected according to the eligibility criteria. Ear swab samples and swabs from the ear-piece area of their cell phones were collected for laboratory investigation. Additionally, 20 controls were recruited for comparison.

Results Among the 50 subjects, 60% were Females, and the highest prevalence was observed in the 36-45 age group. Ear swab cultures showed bacterial growth in 32 samples (64%), with Pseudomonas spp. (24%) being the most prevalent, followed by coagulase-negative Staphylococcus spp. (14%) and Staphylococcus aureus (14%). Only 11 out of 50 phone swabs (22%) showed bacterial growth, predominantly coagulase-negative Staphylococcus spp. (18%). In three cases, the same non-pathogenic bacteria (coagulase-negative Staphylococcus spp.) were found in both ear and phone samples. Among the controls, 55% were female, and the highest prevalence was in the 26-35 age group. Four ear swab samples (20%) from the controls grew coagulase-negative Staphylococcus spp., but phone samples showed inconsistent laboratory results due to technical issues.

Conclusions Based on the findings, there is no significant prevalence of CSOM causative bacteria on the cell phones of patients. However, limitations, including sample size and the inability to establish a causal relationship, should be considered. Larger studies exploring multiple environmental reservoirs may better clarify potential transmission routes for CSOM pathogens.