Nearly 200 doctors were tested for the superbug MRSA at a medical conference in Scotland.

Researchers from Edinburgh University screened delegates attending the British Medical Association's annual representative meeting in the city, and also swabbed their mobile phones. Almost 400 samples were taken.

Richard Brady, who is leading the study, said little was known about the levels of MRSA carried by healthcare workers.

Yet staff with no symptoms can spread the bacteria to people who are sick and susceptible to MRSA infections.

Mr Brady said: "This study allows us for the first time to sample a large number of doctors, outside the hospital environment, to detect if they carry MRSA within their nasal cavities.

"This is one of the most common areas for MRSA to colonise."

He described the research as a vital contribution to the debate over whether healthcare workers should be screened for the bug.

Mr Brady added: "It will also hopefully stimulate much-needed funding of research into this critical area."

Derek Butler, chairman of the charity MRSA Action UK, welcomed the study, but said: "I would rather they tested doctors in hospitals, where they have dealings with patients. The government is very keen to tell us that one third of the population carries staphylococcus aureus and 10% of that carry MRSA. The staff in hospitals are the general public."

Initial results from the swabs are expected in a matter of days, but further analysis will follow and the findings are expected to be published in a medical journal.