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QuEChER method for air microbiological monitoring in hospital environments

Iván Tavera Busso1, Florencia Herrera2, María F Tames3

  • 1Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biología Vegetal (IMBIV), CONICET and Departamento de Química, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Físicas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina. ivantaverabusso@unc.edu.ar.

Journal of Infection in Developing Countries
|February 24, 2020
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

A new QuEChER method effectively measures airborne microbes, crucial for controlling hospital-acquired infections. This approach links airborne particles and CO2 to microbial load, aiding air quality surveillance.

Area of Science:

  • Environmental microbiology
  • Public health
  • Analytical chemistry

Background:

  • Nosocomial pathogens pose significant public health risks due to increased morbidity, mortality, and antimicrobial resistance.
  • Airborne transmission is a key factor in many hospital-acquired infections, necessitating better monitoring.
  • Current air quality control in hospitals, especially in developing countries, is often inadequate.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To develop and validate a QuEChER (Quick, Easy, Cheap, Rugged, and Effective) methodology for characterizing airborne microbial levels.
  • To identify and analyze environmental variables influencing the microbiological load in hospital air.
  • To establish a reliable method for assessing airborne nosocomial pathogens.

Main Methods:

  • Simultaneous determination of particulate matter, suspended bioaerosols (using Harvard impactors), and settled bioaerosols (using settle plates).
  • Utilization of optical sensors for particulate matter measurement.
  • Measurement of environmental variables including air exchange rates, people influx, CO2 levels, and ambient temperature across different sites, shifts, and seasons.

Main Results:

  • A direct correlation was observed between airborne particle counts, air exchange rates, and human traffic.
  • Levels of airborne microorganisms were significantly associated with fine particulate matter concentration, CO2 levels, and ambient temperature.
  • A strong positive linear relationship (R² = 0.9356) was established between fine particulate matter, CO2 levels, and the overall air microbial load.

Conclusions:

  • The QuEChER methodology proves effective for monitoring airborne microbial contamination.
  • This method can enhance the surveillance of nosocomial pathogens, particularly in resource-limited settings.
  • Improved air quality control through effective microbial surveillance is vital for reducing hospital-acquired infections.
Keywords:
CO2PM2.5QuEChERhospital aerobiologymicrobial load

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