Cell phone handsets are covered in more bacteria than shoes, door handles or toilets, according to a study reported on various sources around the Internet.

The reports said that tens of thousands of bacteria live on each square inch of a phone, including Staphylococcus aureus, which can cause pimples or boils, and even pneumonia and meningitis.

The heat of phones and frequent use makes them prime breeding grounds for bugs often found on the skin, researchers said.

Some suggested cleaning phones with antibacterial wipes to stop the spread of germs.

Web site MobileTracker.net reported that a Korean firm began selling a phone with an antibacterial coating more than a year ago.