Contamination by Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria on Cell Phones of Vendors in a Peruvian Market

Background and Objectives. Multiple studies have evaluated the presence of bacterial contamination on cell phones in clinical settings; however, the presence and transmission of antibiotic-resistant bacteria on cell phones in the community have not been adequately elucidated. Material and Methods. A cross-sectional study was carried out to determine the presence of bacteria resistant to antibiotics on the cell phones of vendors in a Peruvian market and the associated factors. A sample of 127 vendors was obtained through stratified probabilistic sampling using a data collection form validated by experts. Cell phone samples were cultured using a standard technique, and antibiotic sensitivity was determined using the Kirby-Bauer technique. Chi-squared and Mann-Whitney U tests were used to determine factors associated with resistance in cell phone cultures. Results. Among the cell phones, 92.1% showed bacterial growth, predominantly Gram-positive bacteria (coagulase-negative staphylococci and Staphylococcus aureus), and 17% of the cultures showed resistance to at least three antibiotics evaluated. Two strains fell into the category of methicillin-resistant S. aureus, and three strains of E. coli had resistance to carbapenems. Conclusions. A short distance between customers and vendors, lack of a cell phone case, and having a cell phone with touchscreen are factors associated with antibiotic-resistant bacteria on cell phones.