Worrying levels of antimicrobial resistance in Gram-negative bacteria isolated from cell phones and uniforms of Peruvian intensive care unit workers

Background Healthcare worker (HCW) uniforms and cell phones are involved in pathogen transmission. This study aimed to characterize pathogenic microorganism isolates from HCW uniforms and cell phones. Methods Gram-negative microorganisms were recovered from HCW uniforms and cell phones. Antimicrobial susceptibility and the presence of extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBL) and carbapenemases were determined. Results Escherichia coli was the most prevalent microorganism. Overall, high levels of resistance to cephalosporins, quinolones, co-trimoxazole and colistin were found. ESBL were mainly related to bla(CTX-M-15) and bla(SHV-) genes. Carbapenem-resistant isolates presented as bla(KPC) or bla(NDM). Conclusions High levels of antimicrobial resistance, including colistin, were detected. Therefore, strategies are urgently needed to prevent bacterial dissemination.