Volume :
5
Issue :
2
Abstract :
Aim The present study was aimed to determine the prevalence of bacterial contamination of stethoscopes used by health care workers (HCWs) in the tertiary care centers. Materials and method 100 stethoscopes were randomly selected from the physicians and other health care workers. Swabs were taken from the stethoscopes by rubbing on the entire surface of the diaphragm. Then the collected swabs were inoculated on Nutrient agar, Blood agar and Mac-conkey agar plates. Standard methods were followed for isolation and identification. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed by Kirby-Bauer Disk diffusion method by Mueller Hinton agar as per CLSI guidelines. Result Out of 86 stethoscopes surveyed, 63 (73%) were evidenced with various micro organism and the remaining 23(27%) were found to have no growth. Isolates included Staphylococcus aureus (19%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (11.1%), Enterococcus faecalis (3.17%), and Escherichia coli (27%), Streptococcus pyogenes(16%), Klebsiella pneumoniae(16%), Micrococcus spp(6.3%),Acinetobacter baumannii(1.5%). E.coli was the highest prevalent organism and Acinetobacter baumannii was the least prevalent organism. Conclusion The present study depicts the prevalence of pathogenic microorganism on the stethoscopes capable of causing nosocomial infection. Our study highlights the need to disinfect the stethoscopes diaphragm to prevent any spread of bacteria from patient to patient. Strict adherence to disinfection of stethoscope by health care workers can minimize cross-contamination and ensure improved patient safety in hospital environments.