1Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Shendi University, Sudan
2Department of Clinical Chemistry, Faculty of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Shendi University, Sudan
*Corresponding author: Ghanem Mohammed Mahjaf, Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Shendi University, Shendi, Sudan
Submission: September 19, 2024;Published: October 30, 2024
ISSN: 2578-0190 Volume7 Issue2
Background: Healthcare environments are often home to organisms that can cause infections. One
example is contaminated medical equipment, such as stethoscopes, which can harbor various nosocomial
pathogens, including MDR bacteria. Hospital-acquired illnesses are acknowledged as severe issues in
public health.
Objectives: To assess multi-drug-resistant bacteria isolated from stethoscopes in Shendi City, Sudan.
Methodology: This prospective cross-sectional study will take place in Shendi City at the microbiology
laboratory of the faculty of medical laboratory sciences at Shendi University between March 2023 and
January 2024. Using moistened sterile cotton swabs, 64 specimens were obtained from stethoscopes
in various hospitals. The bacteria were then cultured in Macconkey and blood agar, and the isolated
specimens were identified using biochemical assays, gram stain, and colonial morphology. Sensitivity
testing was then carried out. A modified Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method was used to determine which
medications were resistant to bacteria.
Results: It was discovered that bacteria from 54 (84%) of the 64 cultured stethoscopes were contaminated.
These bacteria included S. aureus 25 (46%), S. saprophyticus 2 (4%), S. epidermidis 7 (13%), B. cereus 13
(24%), Klebsiella pneumonia 3 (6%), and P. aeruginosa 4 (7%). be the most effective antibiotics for Gramnegative
are amoxiclav (21%) and ceftriaxone (38%), and ciprofloxacin (45%) and Gentamicin (46%) for
Gram-positive bacteria.
Conclusion: Significant bacterial contamination was found in the stethoscope. The isolates were resistant
to several drug classes and might have been pathogens. It is essential to disinfect the stethoscope
diaphragm both before and after every patient interaction.
Keywords:Contamination; Bacteria; Stethoscope; MDR; Disinfection; HIA