What bacteria lives on cell phones?

In a previous report, News 12 New Jersey discovered cell phones can carry more bacteria than the average toilet seat. News 12 New Jersey?s Alice Gainer wanted to find out just what was on her two cell

News 12 Staff

Jul 18, 2007, 10:46 PM

Updated 6,288 days ago

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In a previous report, News 12 New Jersey discovered cell phones can carry more bacteria than the average toilet seat. News 12 New Jersey?s Alice Gainer wanted to find out just what was on her two cell phones.
Doctor Philip Tierno, director of microbiology at NYU Medical Center, tested Gainer?s work phone and personal phone. On her personal phone, group B strep, Strep Viridans and diphtheroids were found. While group B strep can cause serious illness to the elderly or newborns, the other bacteria are normal and typically found on cell phones, according to Tierno.
Gainer?s work cell phone had more bacteria on it. Enterococci and micrococci, which are both normal bacteria, were found.
Gainer said her work phone had been used before she received it, so she expected it to have more bacteria on it. She also said she has shared her personal phone with others, with Tierno recommended people do not do.
Doctors say although the bacteria on some phones are normal, the bacteria could harbor other more serious bacteria. People are urged to clean their cell phones with anti-bacterial wipes at least once a week.
Related Information:Toilet seats may be cleaner than cell phones