Indoor air microbial quality in medical emergency of an Algerian hospital

Abstract

Introduction: In this work, we target the analysis and the characterization of bioaerosols species present in medical emergency of north Algerian hospital, were we consider in four operating rooms, two preoperative and resuscitation rooms. Materials and methods: Passive technique was applied for the collection of bacterial and fungal samples in indoor air, for three days from 16 to 18 January 2018. Two techniques were then chosen for the bacterial identification, the Analytical Profile Index (API) system and Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption/ Ionization Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). Results: It has been found that fungal contamination was highest in neurosurgery block, 103 CFU/m3 , whereas the highest bacterial contamination, 2645 CFU/m3 , was noted in postoperative room. The most predominant identified bacteria were Gram-positive cocci. Conclusion: The high contamination in bioaerosols and the types of bacteria identified in the premises studied increase the risk of contracting a nosocomial infection, hence the importance of daily disinfection and sterilization of hospitals area in order to reduce bioaerosols dangerous effects on human health

Keywords

• Bioaerosols; Passive sampling; Hospital; Bacterial identification