Detection of Fungal Contamination of Ward Furnishing and Medical Equipment Used in intensive Care Unit and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

Abstract

Background: Nosocomial infections acquired during hospitalization depend on the characteristics of the microorganisms, with a high risk of being acquired when the contaminated environment. Cross-transmission of microorganisms by contaminated surfaces and the hands of health care workers are considered to be the main route of the spread of nosocomial infections.
 Aim of study: This study aim to detect the fungal contamination of ward furnishings and medical equipment used in the intensive care unit and Neonatal intensive care unit.
 Materials and Methods: Fifty environmental swabs were collected from ward furnishings and medical equipment including predefined surfaces (armrest beds, wash sinks, medical tables), between August and September 2021.Swab specimens were immediately inoculated onto plates that contained Sabouraud Dextrose Agar. After that samples were incubated for a 1 to 7 days period at 28°C and checked every day for growth.
 Results: Out of fifty swabs samples, 21(42%) yielded Fungal growth. From these isolated organisms Penicillum species was the predominant isolate 10 (47.6%) followed byAspergillus flavus.Penicillum species was the commonest fungal isolates among ICU, while Aspergillus flavus were the predominant isolates among Neonatal ICU. The most contaminant Equipment was found in Neonatal ICU samples 5(55.6%), and the most contaminant Place in ICU was the floors 3(25%).
 Conclusion: This study showed that ICU of the hospital may contain fungi indicating that may form potential source of cross-infection through health care workers to their patients.
 Keywords: Fungi, Neonatal, ICU, and Infection.