Investigation of fungal and bacterial Bioaerosol variety and Concentration in Urmia hospitals Iran

Abstract

Bioaerosols are airborne particles with 0.01-100 micron aerodynamic diameter, which can cause generating extensive hygiene and health effects such as hospital and job infections, acute toxic effects, allergies and cancers. The aim of this study is the evaluation of aerosol’s type and density in areas and various parts of 4 governmental hospital in Urmia city. In this descriptive-cross pattern study, sampling was done with non-active (sedimentation plate) and active (Quick-Take-30 sampling instrument) methods from various parts including infection and internal parts, operation room, ICU and area of 4 governmental hospitals in Urmia city. Also 4 timeframe in summer and winter seasons: between 7-8 am, 12-13 noon, 17-18 pm and 23-24 at night; was chosed for this purpose. Plates contained Eosin Methylene Blue Agar and Blood agar (as specific culture mediums for bacteria) and Sabouraud Dextrose Agar (as a specific medium for fungi) were used for sampling. After incubation, type and density of the microorganism were investigated and recorded as cfu/m3. Statistical analyses was done with SPSS software, Independent t-test, Anova and pearson correlation test. Results showed that the frequency of bacteria and fungi in 448 investigated samples was relate to Staphylococcus (94%), Pseudomonas (5%) and Aestnobacter (1%) for bacteria and Aspergillus (50%), Penicillium (35%) and Candida (15%) for fungi respectively. Timeframe 17-18 pm and 23-24 night showed the highest and lowest density of microorganisms in both seasons respectively and the highest pollution was seen in internal part. Unlike bacteria, the density of fungi in area was higher than internal parts of hospitals and other than rare cases these density were acceptable. The main reason of high density may be relate to lack of proper ventilation system and natural ventilation and population density in some times.