Can mobile phone spread germs?

In the modern world the mobile phone has become an inseparable companion. It is carried in pockets, clutched in hands, placed on work tables, pressed against faces and sometimes even taken into kitchens and bathrooms. Few people give thought to the possibility that this useful device may also serve as a reservoir of bacteria. The question of whether mobile phones can spread harmful microbes has gained attention as healthcare workers, students, commuters and office staff all handle their devices repeatedly throughout the day.

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Research conducted in various parts of the world has demonstrated that the surfaces of mobile phones often harbour bacteria, including species that are known to cause illness. This is not surprising when one considers how frequently the devices are touched and how rarely they are cleaned. Human hands themselves carry a wide range of microbes picked up from door handles, public transport, money and food. Each time a hand touches a phone, some of those organisms are transferred to its smooth surface, where they may persist for hours or even days.

The warm environment of a pocket or handbag can provide favourable conditions for bacterial survival. When the phone is brought into close contact with the face or mouth, there is a theoretical risk that the organisms may be transferred to the skin or respiratory tract. In healthcare settings the concern is more acute.