Visiting a hospital? Your phone can spread dangerous infections

HYDERABAD: Scientists have warned that mobile phones spread infections in hospitals, particularly in intensive care units. Their advice: Do not carry your mobile phone inside a medical ward or intensive care unit lest the handset spread dangerous infections to patients.

It is known that mobile phones are a breeding ground for harmful bacteria and viruses. But what is worry ing is news that most of the germs found on mobile phones have developed resistance to several known antibiotics. Researchers now warn that mobile phones should be left outside medical wards and ICUs. They also caution doctors and nurses not to carry mobiles when they are on hospital rounds.

A research paper on bacterial contamination of mobile phones and harmful germs developing resistance to a number of antibiotic drugs was presented at the Indian Science Congress here by Ch M Kumari Chitturi of the microbiology department of SV University , Tirupati. The researcher dealt with how pathogens found on mobile handsets have developed drug-proof qualities and spread infection.

At least three research papers have been published on mobile phone bacteria being responsible for the spread of infections in hospitals. While harmful bacteria have already been found on various medical devices, including BP apparatus, mobile phones are the non-medical equipment responsible for the spurt in hospital-acquired or nosocomial infections.