Stethoscopes and nosocomial infection

Sharmila Sengupta, Arunava Sirkar, P. G. Shivananda

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

23 Citations (Scopus)

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.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)197-199
Number of pages3
JournalIndian Journal of Pediatrics
Volume67
Issue number3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 01-01-2000
Externally publishedYes

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health

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