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Contaminated stethoscopes revisited

M A Smith¹, J J Mathewson, I A Ulert

¹Center for Infectious Diseases, University of Texas at Houston, USA.

Archives of Internal Medicine

|January 8, 1996

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Stethoscopes frequently harbor bacteria and fungi, posing a risk for hospital-acquired infections. Regular disinfection or disposable covers are recommended to reduce stethoscope contamination and prevent infectious agent spread.

Area of Science:

Infection Control
Medical Microbiology
Public Health

Background:

Stethoscopes are ubiquitous tools for medical professionals.
Their widespread use presents a significant risk for transmitting nosocomial infections.

Purpose of the Study:

To quantify the prevalence of bacterial and fungal contamination on stethoscopes.
To investigate the antimicrobial resistance patterns of isolated staphylococcal strains.

Main Methods:

Cultured microorganisms from 200 stethoscopes across four hospitals and clinics.
Assessed contamination rates based on healthcare personnel and medical settings.
Determined antimicrobial resistance of isolated staphylococcal strains.

Main Results:

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80% of stethoscopes (159/200) showed microbial contamination, predominantly gram-positive bacteria like Staphylococcus species.
Methicillin resistance was observed in 58% of Staphylococcus isolates, including 17% of Staphylococcus aureus.
Physicians' stethoscopes were more frequently contaminated than others (P=.02).

Conclusions:

Stethoscope contamination contributes to the transmission of infectious agents, including antibiotic-resistant strains.
Strategies like disinfection or disposable covers are crucial for reducing stethoscope contamination.
Interventions are needed to mitigate the role of stethoscopes in infectious disease spread.