Stethoscope; - A Potenial Nosocomial Agent - A Clinicomicrobiological Study

Dr. Anindita Kurmi, Dr. Debadatta Dhar Chanda

Abstract: Nosocomial infection has significantly influenced the quality of health care and has emerged as a leading cause of morbidity, mortality and increased health care cost. Medical equipments of non - critical care settings notably stethoscope plays a pivotal role in transmission of nosocomial agents owing to its universal use and lack of established disinfection practices.200 stethoscopes from various sections of the hospital were sampled and 128 organisms were isolated. CoNS was the most common isolate followed by Klebsiella pnuemoniae. Culture of stethoscopes following disinfection with with 70% ethyl alcohol demonstrated reduced colonial growth.

Keywords: HAI, stethoscopes, disinfection