IJSR International Journal of Scientific Research 2277 - 8179 Indian Society for Health and Advanced Research ijsr-9-5-25233 Original Research Paper MOBILE PHONES: A CONTEMPORARY ECOSYSTEM FOR BACTERIAL GROWTH-OUR EXPERIENCE FROM RURAL MAHARASHTRA Yaadav Dr. May 2020 9 5 01 02 ABSTRACT

Today, mobile phones have become an indispensable part of our life. They are usually stored in bags or our pockets and are handled frequently and held close to the face. Mobile phones can spread infectious diseases by its frequent contact with hands. Hands of health care workers have been known to be a potential source of infection. The combination of constant handling and the heat generated by them creates a prime breeding ground for all sorts of microorganisms which can be multi drug resistant and simple procedures of disinfection of mobile phones can prove to be very effective against its elimination. The aim of this study was to compare the carrying rate and growth of bacteria on mobile phones of health care workers from the clinical and non–clinical departments and test the effectiveness of disinfection by 70% isopropyl alcohol