ABSTRACT

A total of 30 commercially used cell phones were randomly collected and sampled from four towns within lkwuano local government. The sample areas were within the university, university gate, Umuariaga junction and Amaba junction to isolate the micro-organisms. A sterile swab stick which was moistened with distilled water was used over the surface, earpiece and the keypad area of the mobile phone. The samples were examined for the presence of bacteria and fungi using nutrient agar, EMB agar and sabouraud dextrose agar respectively. Micro-organisms recovered and identified include Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coIl, Enterobacter spp, Aspergillus niger, Penidihium spp, Streptococcus spp, Rhizopus spp. Mucor spp. Among the bacteria isolates identified, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coil, Enterobacter spp were isolated in PH the areas of study while Streptococcus spp was isolated in only two of the areas. Among the fungal isolates, Aspergillus niger, Penicilhium spp were isolated in all the areas of study while Rhhizopus spp was isolated in two areas and Mucor spp was isolated in only one area . factors which are responsible for the high levels of contamination include the environment, hygiene of the users and good handling practices. These mobile phones aside its usage as a means of communication could also be used as a means of transmission of both pathogenic and non-pathogenic organisms which has health implications. Personal hygiene and sanitation such as hand washing and the use of antimicrobial wipes to clean the phones could serve as a means to reduce the incidence of microbial transmission at commercial call centres. The study reveals the need for good handling practice of commercial cell phones by the users.