Mobile phones and hands of healthcare and sanitation workers: Overlooked reservoirs of gram-positive cocci and a potential source of infections

Background: Mobile phones are widely used by healthcare professionals and sanitation workers during hospital duties, often without proper disinfection. These devices may act as reservoirs for microbial pathogens, contributing to nosocomial infections through cross-contamination. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 25 hospital staff members, healthcare workers and sanitation workers. Swabs were collected from the dominant hand and mobile phone surfaces of each participant and cultured using standard microbiological techniques. Isolates were identified and analyzed for frequency and species diversity. Results: All samples showed growth of 2–3 species of coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS), with Staphylococcus epidermidis (84%) and S. auricularis (64%) being most common. One case of Staphylococcus aureus was found on both hand and phone. No participant reported disinfecting their phones. Conclusion: Widespread CoNS contamination on hands and phones highlights the need for improved hand hygiene and regular device disinfection to prevent cross-contamination in healthcare settings.