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Stethoscopes and nosocomial infection

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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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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Microbiology, Kasturba Medical College and Hospital, 576 119, Manipal

    Sharmila Sengupta, Arunava Sirkar & P. G. Shivananda (Professor and Head)

Authors
  1. Sharmila Sengupta
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  2. Arunava Sirkar
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  3. P. G. Shivananda
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to P. G. Shivananda.

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Sengupta, S., Sirkar, A. & Shivananda, P.G. Stethoscopes and nosocomial infection. Indian J Pediatr 67, 197–199 (2000). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02723663

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02723663

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