Stethoscopes and nosocomial infection
- 1 March 2000
- journal article
- research article
- Published by Springer Nature in Indian Journal of Pediatrics
- Vol. 67 (3) , 197-199
- https://doi.org/10.1007/bf02723663
Abstract
Stethoscopes are an essential tool of the medical profession and can become a source of nosocomial infection. A study conducted in the Department of Pediatrics, Kasturba Medical College and Hospital showed a high carriage of methicillin resistant staphylococcus (69.76%) and multi-drug resistant Gram negative bacilli (20.93%) on regularly used stethoscopes. The antibiogram of the bacterial isolates strongly suggested these to be nosocomial strains. A verbal survey revealed that regular cleaning is not common among doctors. A policy regarding cleaning of stethoscopes with an effective disinfectant may be helpful in reducing hospital-associated infections.Keywords
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