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. 2000 Mar;67(3):197-9.
doi: 10.1007/BF02723663.

Stethoscopes and nosocomial infection

S Sengupta  1 , A Sirkar, P G Shivananda
Affiliations

Stethoscopes and nosocomial infection

S Sengupta et al. Indian J Pediatr. 2000 Mar.

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.

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