Mobile phones - vectors of transmission

Mobile phones are commonly used for quick communication, being indispensable in any daily activity and beyond. Therefore, they can be sources for the transmission of pathogens. They are frequently touched without proper hand hygiene and are rarely cleaned adequately using biocidal substances. Daily disinfection of them could help stop the spread of diseases.

Research on how mobile phones transmit infectious pathogens, such as bacteria and viruses, shows that they are "Trojan horses" that contribute to the emergence of epidemics and pandemics.

This transfer of pathogens via mobile phones represents a serious health issue. The risk is that pathogens can be spread through phones within communities: at the office, in medical facilities, in food processing areas, or on public transport, etc.

Currently, mobile phones are largely neglected from a biosecurity perspective, but they are susceptible to contributing to the spread of viruses such as influenza and SARS-CoV-2, the new coronavirus responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic. 56 studies conducted in 24 countries around the world between 2005 and 2019 analyzed the microbes found on mobile phones.

Most studies have targeted bacteria, and some have analyzed the transmission of fungi via phones. In general, research results have shown that, on average, 68% of mobile phones were contaminated.

Some studies compared the phones of medical personnel and those of the general public and did not identify significant differences between contamination levels. For example, a study aimed to examine the presence of pathogenic bacteria on the surfaces of mobile phones frequently used by student interns. This study identified both pathogenic and non-pathogenic bacteria on the mobile phones of 105 future doctors. Of these, 101 devices (96.2%) were contaminated with bacteria. Staphylococcus aureus was identified on 17 of them (16.2%). Gram-positive bacilli were identified on 20 of the examined phones (19%). Streptococcus viridans and Pantoea species were also identified, but at lower levels.

Research indicates that mobile phones can act as a "host" for pathogenic and non-pathogenic organisms and represent a real biosecurity risk, allowing pathogens to spread easily.

Viruses can live on surfaces from hours and days to weeks. If a person is infected with SARS-CoV-2, it is highly likely that their phone is contaminated. The virus can spread from the phone to other people through direct or indirect contact. Along with mobile phones, other touchscreen systems - such as airport check-in counters and in-flight entertainment screens - can contribute to the rapid spread of COVID-19 across the globe.

While authorities provide guidance on basic practices for effective hand hygiene, there is too little emphasis on practices associated with the use of mobile phones or other touchscreen devices.

In this context, it is important that mobile phones and other touchscreen devices be decontaminated daily, using a disinfectant product with at least 70% alcohol or surface disinfectant solutions.

Disinfection measures should be implemented particularly in key areas of activity such as services, the food industry, schools, bars, cafes, nursing homes, public transport and airports, and medical units, especially during an epidemiological outbreak, such as the current COVID-19 pandemic.