Index Of Microbial Air Contamination Research Articles

Effect of Dhupana (medicated fumigation) on the microbial concentration in the indoor air in Kumaragara (pediatric OPD and IPD): an experimental study

Abstract Introduction: Bioaerosols causing infectious diseases are a major concern for the environmental safety in hospital indoors. Chemical fumigation used for controlling infectious bioaerosols leads to several health hazards such as allergic reactions, hyperbilirubinemia, carcinogenicity, and toxicity. Corrosion of metal surfaces, bleaching of fabrics, risk of accidental consumption, high cost, unpleasant odor, flammability, and formation of toxic gases are other concerns. In Ayurveda, Dhupana (medicated fumigation) is advocated for controlling invisible agents capable of disease transmission. It can be a safer alternative to chemical fumigation. However, many ingredients of classical Dhupana preparations are rare or impractical to use; hence, a novel “Shodashanga Dhupa” (16-ingredient fumigation preparation) was formulated using easily accessible ingredients of classical Dhupana formulations. Materials and Methods: The antimicrobial and antifungal activities of Shodashanga Dhupa were ascertained by enumerating colony-forming units (CFUs) in the passive air samples obtained from hospital rooms before and after 1 h of Dhupana. These samples were collected on suitable agar media, and the settle plate method was carried out. Results: There was improvement in the Index of Microbial Air Contamination and a statistically significant reduction in bacterial CFUs in the pediatric outpatient department (P = 0.000218) and in the Panchakarma therapy room (P = 0.000218). There was a statistically significant reduction in fungal CFUs (P = 0.0137) in the pediatric outpatient department and in the Panchakarma therapy room (P = 0.00109) after 1 h of Dhupana. Conclusion: The study suggests that fumigation with common herbs and spices is effective in decreasing bacterial and fungal bioaerosol concentration in the indoor air of hospital rooms, and it can be used as an economical, hassle-free, and safe method of disinfection.

Air microbial sampling in operating theatres by active and passive methods: equation correlation from the GISIO-ISChIA study results and comparison with the EU GGMP recommendation, towards the definition of threshold values.

The aim of this study was to calculate the equation of correlation between the microbial air contamination values obtained by active sampling (colony-forming units per cubic metre, CFU/m3) and by passive sampling (Index of microbial air contamination, IMA), by using the data from the ISChIA study, and to compare the values obtained with the recommended limits defined by the EU Guidelines to Good Manufacturing Practice (EU GGMP), 2008, for clean areas used to manufacture sterile medicinal products. Air sampling was performed during 335 elective prosthesis procedures. Correlation between CFU/m3 and IMA values was evaluated using the Spearman test; p<0.05 was considered to indicate significance. This equation was used to calculate the IMA values corresponding to the CFU/m3 recommended threshold values by EU GGMP for the different Grades of microbial contamination. The following correlation equation was obtained: y = 1.86 + 0.12x, where "x" = cfu/m3 value and "y" = IMA value. The relationships between CFU/m3 and IMA values obtained from active and passive sampling during the ISChIA study showed to be in line to those suggested by the EU GGMP for pharmaceutical manufacturing for Grade C and D. This study shows that the EU GGMP relationship could be considered valid also for operating theatres. Both methods, active and passive samplings, can be used to evaluate microbial air quality and highlight critical situations; however, in particular during the activity, passive sampling estimating the risk posed by airborne microorganisms to the surgical wound, can be considered more relevant, and for its simplicity, economy and standardization, can be suggested for routine microbial monitoring.

A study to assess the microbial profile and index of microbial air contamination in dental operatories.

Microbial contamination of air in dental operatory is an important source of infection. In this study, passive air sampling using settle plates was used as an effective method to assess the microbial profile and index of microbial air contamination (IMA) in dental operatories. To assess the microbial profile and index of microbial air contamination (IMA) in dental operatories. This study design was a experimental cum diagnosis study and was conducted in four outpatient dental operatories in a self-financing dental college using stratified random sampling technique. Twenty air samples were collected by leaving blood agar plates open for 1 h, 1 m above the floor and 1 m from the wall. After incubation at 37°C for 48 h, colonies were counted to assess the number of colony-forming units (CFUs) per plate. The number of CFU is the IMA. The evaluation of aerobic bacterial and fungal profiles of representative colonies was done by standard microbiological methods. Independent sample 't' test was applied for this study. All air samples collected near the dental treatment unit showed more contamination than the ambient air. As per the IMA classes, the IMA near the dental treatment unit ranged from fair to poor. IMA of ambient air in all the four operatories was within the acceptable values. The most common microorganism isolated was Staphylococcus species. Passive air sampling is one of the effective ways of quantifying airborne bacteria as used in the present study. Air microbial level evaluation is a step towards cross-infection prevention.

Passive air sampling: the use of the index of microbial air contamination.

Background:Bioaerosol plays an important role in human life with potentially infectious, allergic and toxic effects. Active and passive methods can be used to assess microbial air contamination, but so far there is not a unanimous consensus regarding the indications about methods to be used and how to interpret the results. The passive method has been standardized by the Index of Microbial Air contamination (IMA). Classes of contamination and maximum acceptable levels of IMA have been proposed, related to different infection or contamination risks. The aim of this study was to provide information about the use of the passive sampling method, with reference to the IMA standard.Methods:We searched PubMed and Scopus for articles published until January 2020 reporting the citation of the article by Pasquarella et al. “The index of microbial air contamination. J Hosp Infect 2000”. Only studies in English language where the IMA standard was applied were considered. Studies regarding healthcare settings were excluded.Results:27 studies were analyzed; 12 were performed in Europe, 8 in Asia, 5 in Africa, 2 in America. Cultural heritage sites, educational buildings and food industries were the most common indoor monitored environments; in 8 studies outdoor air was monitored.Conclusions:This review has provided a picture of the application of standard IMA in different geographic areas and different environments at risk of airborne infection/contamination. The analysis of the results obtained, together with a wider collection of data, will provide a useful contribution towards the definition of reference limits for the various types of environments to implement targeted preventive measures.

Fungal contamination in a University building

Fungal contamination in a University building.Background.It is recognized that airborne fungi can cause illnesses in humans but data on environmental exposure are still poor. The aim of this study was to evaluate the fungal airborne contamination in a university building.Methods.The study was performed in February and May 2018; air samples were collected, before activity (on Monday) and during activity, (on Friday), both through active (CFU/m3) and passive (Index of microbial air contamination, IMA) method. Fungi were identified by using the scotch test.Results.In February the median fungal contamination value decreased from 14 CFU/m3 before activity to 7 CFU/m3 during activity, while IMA median remains 0. Instead in May both increased during activity (from 87 to 140 CFU/m3; from 5.5 to 7.5 IMA). Overall values increased in May compared to February. Aspergillus spp., Penicillium spp., Cladosporium spp. Absidia spp. were the genera most frequently isolated in both months, while in May Chaetomium spp. e Ulocladium spp. were recovered too.Conclusions.Seasonal trend in the levels of fungal contamination of the air was observed, with a statistically significant increase in May. This study represents the first step of a wider study aimed at enhancing knowledge about air fungal contamination.

Identification of Bacteria and Fungi Contamination of Some Classrooms at Srinakharinwirot University, Ongkharak Campus

The air quality of air inside the classroom is an important factor effect to health of people. The objective of the study was to estimation the air quality and identification of bacteria and fungi contamination in the air inside the classroom at Srinakharinwirot University Ongkharak Campus. The open plate technique was used to collect samples in the morning at 8.30 a.m. (before students enter to the classroom) and in the afternoon at 4.30 p.m. (after students left the classroom) between November 2018 to April 2019. The result showed that the average amounts of bacteria and fungi were 67.60 to 352.50 and 69.60 to 370.80 CFU/dm2/h, respectively. The evaluations of the index of microbial air contamination (IMA) were fair to very poor. However, the concentrations of airborne bacteria and fungi were not higher than the proposed air quality index. Therefore, the air quality of classrooms had a good hygienic standard. The most isolated bacteria were Enterobacter spp., Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus spp., Bacillus spp., and Pseudomonas spp. and fungi were found to include Cladosporium spp., Aspergillus spp., Penicillium citrinum and Neurospora crassa. So, the air quality of air inside classroom control management is appropriate to be used to reduce bacteria and fungi contamination in the classroom.Â

Can air microbiota be a novel marker for public health? A sampling model and preliminary data from different environments

Next-generation sequencing (NGS) and advances in microbiota knowledge are opening new perspectives for environmental microbiology and public health. Massive parallel sequencing of bacterial DNA is providing new insights to unravel microbial dissemination in different matrices, including air. Here, we have assessed the air biodiversity in several indoor environments by NGS-based metagenomics and compared results with respect to classical approaches. Environmental sampling was achieved in three exemplificative indoor locations: offices, recreational facilities and public restrooms. Sampling was performed by active (surface air system and high-volume aerosol collection system) and passive (index of microbial air contamination and novel tissue-based passive sampling) techniques. Collected samples were tested by traditional microbiology and DNA-based methods. Biodiversity indices were computed using EstimateS software. Statistical analysis by SPSS and R was applied to determine the variability of bacteria groups after comparing sampling and analysis protocols. In each point (n = 6), air was sampled in duplicate by four methods and tested in parallel by culture-based and DNA-based approaches. A total of over 30 ± 10 isolates for each point were identified at species level. A total of 3,207,415 sequence reads were generated by NGS analysis, leading to the identification of over 170 OTUs. NGS analyses of air biodiversity were more informative when using active sampling methods (0.729, p < 0.05) and less by passive methods (− 0.897, p < 0.05). NGS allowed a comprehensive and reproducible evaluation of air microbiota and the definition of microbial signatures. Air can be assayed by NGS using different strategies, representing a promising tool for evaluating microbial load and biodiversity. Although NGS requires sophisticated equipment, bioinformatics tools and trained personnel, we propose a model for the evaluation of indoor air quality in occupational and public health settings.

Microbial air pollution in the dental center of a private university

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the air microbial contamination before and during dental procedures (for 4 months) in two dental rooms, in the Dental Center of a private university of Lima- Peru. Material and Method: The study was carried out using a passive air sampling; settle plate, to identify potential infectious microorganisms. The samples were collected in five moments during the period from August to November in the 2017 year, outcomes were expressed in CFU/plate/hour and the Index of Microbial Air contamination (IMA) level was established. Results: In decreasing order it was found: S. negative mannitol (15.9 ± 12.9); yeast fungi (10.3 ± 8.2); S. aureus (9.1 ± 5.9); mold type fungi (1.6 ± 3.1) and enterobacteria (1.2 ± 1.3). Both dental rooms showed regular contamination estimated starting of the average of mesophiles (42.2 ± 22.2). Conclusions: It is necessary to implement methods to reduce the microbial contamination of clinical environments to reduce the risk of crosscontamination.

Acute low back pain among registered nurses. Organizational implications for practice management.

To date there is a lack of evidence about the impact of shiftwork on the occurrence of acute low back pain among registered nurses working non-traditional shifts, including nights and 12-hour shifts. The objectives of the present study were: 1) to investigate the impact of shiftwork, physical activity and body mass index on the occurrence of acute low back pain among female shift-registered nurses; 2) to suggest preventive interventions. The author conducted a cross-sectional nested case-control analysis of data concerning acute low back pain and staffing data for female registered nurses employed in hospital wards. The analysis found a relationship between acute low back pain and nightshift, extended shifts, obesity; the adoption of forward rotating schedules proved to be effective in minimizing the frequency of acute low back pain. The findings showed that the prevention of acute low back pain should consider interventions aimed at minimizing not only physical ergonomic factors, but also organizational risks and lifestyle factors.

Operating theatre ventilation systems and microbial air contamination in total joint replacement surgery: results of the GISIO-ISChIA study

Recent studies have shown a higher rate of surgical site infections in hip prosthesis implantation using unidirectional airflow ventilation compared with turbulent ventilation. However, these studies did not measure the air microbial quality of operating theatres (OTs), and assumed it to be compliant with the recommended standards for this ventilation technique. To evaluate airborne microbial contamination in OTs during hip and knee replacement surgery, and compare the findings with values recommended for joint replacement surgery. Air samplings were performed in 28 OTs supplied with unidirectional, turbulent and mixed airflow ventilation. Samples were collected using passive sampling to determine the index of microbial air contamination (IMA). Active sampling was also performed in some of the OTs. The average number of people in the OT and the number of door openings during the sampling period were recorded. In total, 1228 elective prosthesis procedures (60.1% hip and 39.9% knee) were included in this study. Of passive samplings performed during surgical activity in unidirectional airflow ventilation OTs (U-OTs) and mixed airflow OTs (M-OTs), 58.9% and 87.6% had IMA values >2, respectively. Of samplings performed during surgical activity in turbulent airflow OTs (T-OTs) and in turbulent airflow OTs with the surgical team wearing Steri-Shield Turbo Helmets (TH-OTs), 8.6% and 60% had IMA values ≤ 2, respectively. Positive correlation was found between IMA values and the number of people in the OT and the number of door openings (P < 0.001). In addition, correlation was found between active and passive sampling (P < 0.001). These findings challenge the belief that unidirectional systems always provide acceptable airborne bacterial counts.

Microbial air monitoring in the operating theatres of Salam Center for Cardiac Surgery in Khartoum (Sudan)

The seriousness of postoperative infections and the increased susceptibility of patients undergoing cardiac surgery increase the demand for the operating theatre (OT) asepsis to prevent bacterial infections. In fact, the organisms carried by the air reach the wound after having sedimented onto sterile field. The air represents a critical point for quality control of air filtration systems, for sanitization procedures and for the evolution of hygienic features of the OT environment.Aim of the study is to evaluate the prevalence of microorganisms found in the operating rooms (OR) air monitoring in the Salam Center for Cardiac Surgery of Khartoum (Sudan) between July 2008 and March 2009.The specimens were collected every month in two different times: “OR at rest” (after sanitization) and “OR operational”, using sedimentation method (Fisher 1972). Results showed that each sample collected at rest had IMA (index of microbial air contamination) &lt; 5CFU/plt, whereas the bacterial growth was between 25 and 50 CFU/plt when the samples had been collected in the same places during operating activities.This indicate the effectiveness of sanitization procedures and confirm that people working in OT are an important source of bacteria causing postoperative infections. Coagulase negative Staphylococci, Gram negative bacillus and Staphylococcus aureus spp. were the predominant organisms isolated.

Microbial air monitoring in operating theatres: experience at the University Hospital of Parma

Microbial air monitoring in operating theatres has been a subject of interest and debate. No generally accepted sampling methods and threshold values are available. To assess microbial air contamination in empty and working conventionally ventilated operating theatres over a three-year period at the University Hospital of Parma, Italy. Air sampling was performed in 29 operating theatres. Both active and passive sampling methods were used to assess bacterial and fungal contamination. In empty theatres, median bacterial values of 12 colony-forming units (cfu)/m(3) [interquartile range (IQR) 4-32] and 1 index of microbial air contamination (IMA) (IQR 0-3) were recorded. In working theatres, these values increased significantly (P<0.001) to 80cfu/m(3) (IQR 42-176) and 7 IMA (IQR 4-13). Maximum recorded values were 166cfu/m(3) and 8 IMA for empty theatres, and 798cfu/m(3) and 42 IMA for working theatres. Combining active and passive samplings, fungi were isolated in 39.13% of samples collected in empty theatres and 56.95% of samples collected in working theatres. Over the three-year study period, bacterial contamination decreased in both empty and working theatres, and the percentage of samples devoid of fungi increased. In working theatres, a significant correlation was found between the bacterial contamination values assessed using passive and active sampling methods (P<0.001). Microbiological monitoring is a useful tool for assessment of the contamination of operating theatres in order to improve air quality.

Air sampling methods to evaluate microbial contamination in operating theatres: results of a comparative study in an orthopaedics department

To evaluate the level of microbial contamination of air in operating theatres using active [i.e. surface air system (SAS)] and passive [i.e. index of microbial air contamination (IMA) and nitrocellulose membranes positioned near the wound] sampling systems. Sampling was performed between January 2010 and January 2011 in the operating theatre of the orthopaedics department in a university hospital in Southern Italy. During surgery, the mean bacterial loads recorded were 2232.9 colony-forming units (cfu)/m(2)/h with the IMA method, 123.2 cfu/m(3) with the SAS method and 2768.2 cfu/m(2)/h with the nitrocellulose membranes. Correlation was found between the results of the three methods. Staphylococcus aureus was detected in 12 of 60 operations (20%) with the membranes, five (8.3%) operations with the SAS method, and three operations (5%) with the IMA method. Use of nitrocellulose membranes placed near a wound is a valid method for measuring the microbial contamination of air. This method was more sensitive than the IMA method and was not subject to any calibration bias, unlike active air monitoring systems.

Assessment of microbial air contamination of post processed garri on sale in markets

This study was designed to investigate the role of airborne microorganisms in the contamination of post processed garri during sale and distribution under tropical market conditions. Freshly processed garri samples were openly displayed in four different markets in Port Harcourt, Nigeria and the changes in microbial burden of the samples were determined over a period of 30 days. Aerosolised bacterial and fungal counts were determined using the index of microbial air contamination (IMA) procedure by placing sedimentation plates at various locations in stalls where garri was displayed in the markets. The bacteria and fungal IMA levels (55 to 85 CFU/dm2/h) obtained for the different markets were higher than accepted limits (50 CFU/dm2/h) for areas prone to microbial contamination. There was a strong positive correlation (p 0.05) in microbial load was obtained in the control samples (in packages). Microbial counts obtained exceeded the recommended maximum acceptable limit (3.0 LogCFUg-1) of mesophilic aerobic bacteria in dried food products. Some the bacterial genera (Bacillus, Salmonella and Escherichia) isolated from the air around stalls were also isolated from the displayed garri samples whereas all the airborne fungal isolates (Aspergillus niger, Geotrichum candidum, Penicillium notatum, Rhodotorula spp., Fusarium spp., Mucor spp. and Cephalosporium spp.) were also present in the displayed garri samples. The results of this study demonstrate the importance of air as the main source of microbial contamination of garri in local markets and the need to encourage hygienic packaging of garri by producers and retailers in order to ensure food safety for millions of consumers. Key words: Garri, microbial burden, air contamination, market, safety.

Proposal for an integrated approach to microbial environmental monitoring in cultural heritage: experience at the Correggio exhibition in Parma

Microbial environmental monitoring represents one of the most useful methods to assess potential risks related to the integrity of cultural heritage and people’s health. The monitoring plan described in the present work is based on standardized techniques for measuring microbial air and surface contamination. Air contamination is assessed through both active and passive samplings, measuring the concentration of microbes in air (in colony forming units per cubic metre, CFU/m3) and the rate at which microorganisms settle on surfaces (expressed by the Index of Microbial Air Contamination, IMA, CFU/dm2/h). For surface contamination, two parameters are measured using nitrocellulose membranes: the Microbial Buildup (MB, the total number of microorganisms accumulated on a surface in an unknown period of time prior to the sampling) and the Hourly Microbial Fallout (HMF, the number of microorganisms that settle on a specific surface during 1 h). The monitoring plan was implemented at the Pilotta Palace in Parma, Italy, during the Correggio exhibition in 2009. Samplings were taken before and during opening times. Some microbial contamination was already detected before the arrival of visitors: air contamination mean values of 99.1 CFU/m3 and 5.2 CFU/dm2/h were recorded, while MB and HMF mean values for surfaces were 92 and 7 CFU/dm2, respectively. A significant increase was recorded in air contamination during opening times, with mean values of 323.7 CFU/m3 and 19.4 CFU/dm2/h; surface contamination values increased as well. This monitoring plan represents a contribution towards the definition of a much needed standardized methodology.

Italian multicenter study on infection hazards during dental practice: Control of environmental microbial contamination in public dental surgeries

BackgroundThe present study assessed microbial contamination in Italian dental surgeries.MethodsAn evaluation of water, air and surface microbial contamination in 102 dental units was carried out in eight Italian cities.ResultsThe findings showed water microbial contamination in all the dental surgeries; the proportion of water samples with microbial levels above those recommended decreased during working. With regard to Legionella spp., the proportion of positive samples was 33.3%. During work activity, the index of microbial air contamination (IMA) increased. The level of microbial accumulation on examined surfaces did not change over time.ConclusionThese findings confirm that some Italian dental surgeries show high biocontamination, as in other European Countries, which highlights the risk of occupational exposure and the need to apply effective measures to reduce microbial loads.