Exploring the Microbiome of Mobile Devices: Implications for Public Health and Hygiene

This study, which examined the diversity of microorganisms found on mobile phones, took a novel approach by identifying pathogenic microbes on phone users within different age groups. The study also aimed to test the effectiveness of a simple disinfection method using 70% sterile alcohol pads. Samples were collected using sterile cotton tip applicators and transport broth media before and after disinfection. The samples were cultured and incubated on Muller Hinton agar petri plates at 32 degrees Celsius for 48 hours. The isolated microbes were identified based on their morphological characteristics, gram-stain test, and biochemical analysis. The survey, conducted to determine the frequency of mobile phone usage and factors contributing to microbial contamination, revealed significant findings. Participants from two villages were surveyed using a structured questionnaire. The sample size of participants was generated using a sample size calculator. Two participants from each age group per village were selected randomly for microbial sample collection from their mobile phones using R Studio software. The results showed that older adults' mobile phones were more contaminated than younger adults and adolescents, providing valuable insights. The frequency of usage and hygiene did not determine the total viable count of pathogenic microbes found, challenging existing assumptions. The study also found that disinfection using 70% sterile alcohol pads was 76% effective in reducing microbial contamination.