Effects of Radiofrequency EMF from Mobile Phones and Wi-Fi Router on the Growth Rate and Susceptibility of Enterococcus faecalis to Antibiotics

Abstract

Overview

The study investigates the impact of radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) from commonly used devices like smartphones and Wi-Fi routers on a medically relevant bacterium, Enterococcus faecalis. This bacterium commonly inhabits the root canals of teeth and can cause various health complications.

Objective

The primary aim was to assess how RF-EMF exposure affects the growth and antibiotic response of Enterococcus faecalis.

Materials and Methods

The study utilized Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 19115, testing its antibiotic susceptibility using the disk diffusion method on Mueller-Hinton agar. Growth rates were measured by optical density post-exposure to RF-EMF from Wi-Fi routers and mobile phone simulators.

Findings

• Impact on Antibiotic Susceptibility: Exposure to RF-EMF led to a notable decrease in antibiotic susceptibility after 6 hours, which paradoxically increased after 24 hours of exposure.
• Growth Rate Changes: The growth rate of the bacteria exposed to RF-EMF was significantly higher compared to non-exposed bacteria.

Conclusion

The study concludes that RF-EMF exposure from devices like Wi-Fi routers and mobile phones can significantly affect the antibiotic susceptibility and growth behavior of Enterococcus faecalis, underlining potential public health implications.