Evaluation of Bacteriological Quality of Indoor Air of Selected Theatres and Wards in a Nigerian Teaching Hospital

Abstract

The air of confined environments in hospitals may not be a growth medium for microbes but it could be a viable means of transmission of infective nuclei droplets and particulate matter. This research was carried out at the male and female surgical wards of the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital. Sterile blood and MacConkey agar plates exposed at specific points in contact with air at some specified areas of the hospital at a height of one meter above the ground were incubated at 37^OC and the isolates were identified following standard bacteriological procedures. The result showed a total of 484 organisms isolated out of which 20% were Staphyloccocus aureus, 22% were coagulase negative Staphyloccocus species, 15% were Proteus mirabilis, 6% Klebsiella pneumucoccus, and 5% Baccillus subtilis.  The presence of these may strongly have impact on the nosocomial and opportunistic infections in the hospital. Therefore, proper hygienic practices and safety equipment should be advocated in confined areas of the hospital that could predispose patients to opportunistic infections. Also, concerted efforts at improving the airborne quality of the hospital environment should be promoted and maintained to enhance public and patient health.

Keywords: Quality, Airborne, Bacteria, Ward, Hospital.