IADR Abstract Archives

Surveillance of Specific Pathogens on Mobile Phones Used in a Dental Setting During the COVID Pandemic

Objectives: Surveillance of types of pathogens found on mobile phones, related hygiene practices and their correlations when used in a dental setting
Methods: This cross-sectional laboratory and questionnaire study related to mobile phone usage conducted amongst students and staff working in aerosol and non-aerosol generating clinics at UWC. Relevant study information was shared, consent obtained from included cohorts. Questionnaires were emailed to all participants who consented to have their mobile phones swabbed. This process was completed using sterile swabs moistened with saline, and rotated over phone SURFACES frequently touched. In the laboratory, swabs were transferred into appropriate enrichment anaerobic media and cultured to facilitate DNA or RNA extraction. Following this, colony counting occurred for those who were positively cultured, and these were measured using calipers. Thereafter, the positively cultured samples were exposed to both Gram positive and negative staining and were viewed under a microscope to determine their morphology
Results: Due to the 3rd wave of COVID pandemic, the total number of mobile phones swabbed and questionnaires administered via email (N=91) were limited. Of these, students and staff (N=67) working in aerosol and those (N=24) in non-aerosol generating clinics formed the final sample.
25 swabbed samples indicated a positive culture at 370C under aerobic conditions. A detailed record of the colony count, color, shape, elevation, margin and size are provided. Gram staining of these cultures indicated that a diverse group of pathogens are found on participants mobile phones.
Almost 60% of students’ included a daily mobile phone hygiene protocol due to their knowledge of pathogens and transmission across surfaces. No phone coverings are included, and most of them use phones in clinics for related work.
Conclusions: Presence of diverse pathogens, even though majority of participants implemented a daily mobile phone hygiene protocol. Agree faculty should implement a standardised protocol.

2021 South African Division Meeting (Virtual)
Virtual
2021

Diagnostic Sciences
  • Khan, Saadika  ( University of the Western Cape , Cape Town , South Africa )
  • Maboza, Ernest  ( University of the Western Cape , Bellville , Western Cape , South Africa )
  • Valley, Nabeelah  ( University of the Western Cape , Cape Town , South Africa )
  • Taliep, Ammaarah  ( University of the Western Cape , Cape Town , South Africa )
  • Johnson, Adnaan  ( University of the Western Cape , Cape Town , South Africa )
  • NONE
    Poster Session
    Abstracts Accepted