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Fungal air quality in hospital rooms: a case study in Tehran, Iran
Faramarz Azimi, Kazem Naddafi1, Ramin Nabizadeh
1Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. knadafi@tums.ac.ir.
Abstract:
Fungi are usually presented in indoor environments and cause of many diseases. The aim of this descriptive study was to investigate the level of fungal contamination in hospital rooms. Sampling was conducted with an Andersen one-stage viable impactor (Quick Take-30) and counting plates containing a fungus-selective medium. A total of 120 air samples from ten hospital environments were performed. Airborne fungi concentrations were determined 72-120 hours after sampling. Total mean concentration of detected fungi in the hospital rooms was 55 ± 56 (mean ± SD) cfu/m3. The findings of the fungal concentration in the various hospital rooms revealed different levels of contamination: the lowest mean counts (37 ± 17 cfu/m3) were observed in NS 1 (Nursing Stations 1), and the highest (97 ± 217 cfu/m3) were reported in Orthopedics Operating Room (OOR). The most common fungal genus isolated were Penicillium (70%), Aspergillus (14%), Cladosporium (12%), Alternaria (2%) and others (2%). The obtained results showed that fungal concentrations in the present study were nearly high and these conditions should be considered as a risk factor for patients and other persons in the hospital.
Insights
Hospital air samples revealed high fungal contamination, posing a risk to patients. Penicillium and Aspergillus were the most common indoor fungi found, with operating rooms showing the highest levels.
Area of Science:
- Environmental microbiology
- Hospital-acquired infections
Background:
- Fungal presence in indoor environments is a known cause of various diseases.
- Hospitals, as critical indoor settings, require monitoring for microbial contaminants.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the level and types of fungal contamination in indoor hospital air.
- To identify specific hospital areas with higher fungal loads.
Main Methods:
- A descriptive study utilizing an Andersen one-stage viable impactor for air sampling.
- Culturing on fungus-selective media to quantify airborne fungi concentrations.
- 120 air samples collected from ten diverse hospital environments.
Main Results:
- The overall mean concentration of airborne fungi was 55 ± 56 CFU/m³.
- Fungal contamination varied significantly across hospital areas, with Nursing Stations 1 (37 ± 17 CFU/m³) having the lowest and Orthopedics Operating Room (97 ± 217 CFU/m³) the highest levels.
- The predominant fungal genera identified were Penicillium (70%), Aspergillus (14%), and Cladosporium (12%).
Conclusions:
- Airborne fungal concentrations in the studied hospital were generally high.
- Elevated fungal levels represent a potential health risk for patients and staff within the hospital environment.
- Further investigation and control measures are warranted to mitigate fungal exposure risks in healthcare settings.
