Settle Plate Method Research Articles

Bacillus and Aspergillus Prevalence: an Investigation into the Indoor Microbial Quality of Built Environment at the University of Port Harcourt: Nigeria

Background: Inadequate indoor air quality poses significant challenges in school environments, stemming from factors such as overcrowded classrooms, insufficient ventilation, and substandard construction and maintenance practices. Bacterial and fungal contaminants in indoor air present serious health risks. Methods: This institutional-based cross-sectional study focused on selected learning halls to assess bacterial and fungal loads using the settle plate method. Analysis was accomplished through standard cultural methods. Nutrient agar and Potato Dextrose agar plates were exposed for 15 minutes to capture bacteria and fungi, respectively. Results: The study revealed a total bacterial load of 8300 CFU/m3 in the morning and 10400 CFU/m3 in the evening. The highest bacterial load occurred at MBS 25 (3200 CFU/m3 in the morning and 3700 CFU/m3 in the evening), while the lowest was recorded at the Arena (310 CFU/m3 in the morning and 990 CFU/m3 in the evening). Similarly, fungal loads varied, with the Arena recording the highest (620 CFU/m3 in the morning and 690 CFU/m3 in the evening) and the Faculty of Science Auditorium the lowest (310 CFU/m3 in the morning and 620 CFU/m3 in the evening). Bacillus spp. dominated among bacterial genera (25.9%), while Aspergillus spp. was the most prevalent fungal genus (41.7%). Other bacterial genera included Klebsiella, Staphylococcus, Enterococcus, E. coli, and Pseudomonas, while Penicillium and Candida were among the fungal genera. Conclusion: Mitigation strategies should target factors such as temperature, occupancy, and humidity to curb bacterial and fungal proliferation in indoor lecture halls, thus safeguarding the health of students and teachers in the University of Port Harcourt and similar educational institutions.

MICROBIOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT OF INDOOR AIR QUALITY OF STUDENT HOSTELS AND CANTEENS IN A NIGERIAN UNIVERSITY CAMPUS: RISKS ON STUDENTS’ HEALTH

Microbial air contaminants affect the quality of air we breathe and these microbial air contaminants can settle on body parts, clothes, food etc. which poses a serious threat to human health. Therefore, the level of bacterial contamination in various in-door air of the students’ hostels and canteens of Kaduna State University (KASU) and their antibiotics susceptibility patterns was studied. A total of 44 samples were collected from the rooms (18), toilets (18) of the students hostels and canteen (8) of KASU; using the settle plate method. Gram staining and standard biochemical methods were used to identify the bacterial isolates and antibiotic susceptibility testing was determined by disc diffusion method. The bacteria load was between 1.2 x 103 to 6.7 x 103 cfu/ml3. A total of 30 bacteria isolates were identified, Staphylococcus aureus had the highest (9, 30%) occurrence, followed by Streptococcus spp (6, 20%), Bacillus subtilis and Clostridium spp had similar (4, 13.2%) occurrence, The antibiotic susceptibility testing carried out revealed that the Gram negative and Gram positive bacteria isolates were more susceptible to vancomycin (75%, 43.5%), tetracycline (75%, 47.8%) and gentamicin (50%, 43.5%) while high resistance was observed with chloramphenicol (100%, 73.9%), ceftriaxone (100%, 100%), cefoxitin (100%, 73.9%), amoxicillin/clavulanic acid (100%, 87%), and trimethoprim/sulphamethoxazole (100%, 78%). All the indoor samples were contaminated with pathogenic bacteria and there was high level of multidrug resistance. This is very dangerous to the students’ health because it can be a source of transmission infections and antibiotic resistant bacterial strains.

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.

An In Vitro Study on the Antimicrobial Effect of Fumigation with Jatu-Sarjarasadi Choorna

In the present scenario, shooting incidence of airborne diseases is a major public health challenge. Therefore, disinfecting our immediate surroundings is quite important. In Ayurveda, Dhoopana is a disinfection method by which drugs of herbal, herbo-mineral or animal origin are used for fumigation. It is a safe, natural and cost-effective method for disinfection. But the effectiveness of Dhoopana has to be proved scientifically for the acceptance of the modern society. Therefore, Jatu-sarjarasadi dhoopa yoga mentioned in Ashtanga samgraha sutrasthana is selected for the study to evaluate its antimicrobial activity. Jatu, Sarjarasa, Ushira, Sarshapa, Patra, Valaka, Vella, Arushkara, Pura, Arjuna are the ten ingredients of the yoga, among which Arushkara is replaced in this study with its Abhava dravya Citraka due to safety reasons. The study was conducted in the procedure room of Prasootitantra Department of Government Ayurveda College Hospital, Tripunithura. The room was fumigated for 30 minutes and kept enclosed for 24 hours. Total microbial colonies were estimated by settle plate method. Petridishes containing culture medium of bacteria and fungi were exposed for 60 minutes in the room before fumigation and 24 hours after fumigation. The sample plates were incubated and total microbial colonies before and after fumigation were counted. The data was statistically analysed using Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test. On statistical analysis, the reduction in total colony count of bacteriae and fungi was found to be significant and showed profound anti-bacterial activity when compared to anti-fungal action. The study concluded that fumigation with Jatu-sarjarasadi choorna has anti-microbial effect.

Investigating Microbial Contamination of Indoor Air, Environmental Surfaces, and Medical Equipment in a Southwestern Ethiopia Hospital.

Healthcare-associated infections, primarily caused by microorganisms, are widespread in healthcare facilities. These infections pose a significant challenge, especially in low and middle-income countries, and have a detrimental impact on patient outcomes. It is crucial to assess the level of microbial load and associated factors to prevent the spread of these infections. The objective of this study was to assess the microbial load and identify the factors associated with it in various wards at Jimma Medical Center. A cross-sectional study conducted at Jimma Medical Center. Indoor air samples were collected using the settle plate method with a 1/1/1 scheme. Inanimate surfaces and medical equipment were sampled using Swabs from a 10 × 10 cm area. A total of 268 samples were collected from 10 rooms. Pertinent information regarding the associated factors was gathered using an observational checklist. A multiple linear regression model was used to identify any associations with the microbial load. Out of the total samples, 181 (67.5%) tested positive for culture, and 270 microbes were isolated. The average load of bacteria and fungi in the indoor air ranged from 124.4 to 1607 and 96 to 814.6 Colony-forming unit (CFU)/m3, respectively. The mean total aerobic colony counts of bacteria and fungi from all surfaces in the wards ranged from 5.25 to 43.3 CFU/cm2. Crowdedness [β = 2.748 (95% Confidence Interval (CI): 1.057-4.44)], the presence of waste material [β = 1.747 (95% CI: 0.213-3.282)], and an unclean room [β = 2.505 (95% CI: 0.990-4.019)] were significantly associated with the microbial load. The microbial load detected in indoor air, inanimate surfaces and medical equipment was posing potential health risks. Consequently, it is recommended to implement regular microbial surveillance of the hospital environment and enhance the infection prevention program to mitigate these concerns.

Bacteriological Assessment of Indoor Air Quality in Keystone (Male) Hostel, University of Benin, Benin City

This study examined and identified the level of bacteria present in the hostel to evaluate the potential health hazards for the residents and establish guidelines for controlling indoor air quality. Six (6) rooms were sampled out of 25 rooms at the keystone hostel, each with a height of 10 feet, and an average dimension of 9 feet by 10 feet. The study was done in July and November, 2023. Passive air sampling of settle plate method was employed. The isolates were identified using standard cultural and biochemical identification method. The outcome revealed that the concentration of bacteria isolates rose as media exposure time increased. In July, the maximum bacteria concentration was observed in room 37 at 20min (21.5 x 102CFU/m3) and the minimum in room 49 at 20 min (0.02 x 102 CFU/m3. The concentration of bacteria in room 48 at 20 min was (0.1 x 102 CFU/m3), room 47 at 20 min (11.0 x 102 CFU/m3), room 38 at 20 min (16.5 x 102 CFU/m3), room 39 at 20 min (10.5 x 102 CFU/m3), While for the month of November, the highest bacteria concentration was seen in room 37 at 20min (26.5 x 102 CFU/m3) and the least at room 49 at 20 min (0.09 x 102 CFU/m3). The concentration of bacteria at other room 48 at 20 min (0.3 x 102 CFU/m3), room 47 at 20 min (13.5 x 102 CFU/m3), room 38 at 20 min (19.2 x 102 CFU/m3), room 39 at 20 min (15.1 x 102 CFU/m3). A total of seven (7) distinct bacteria species: Escherichia coli (60%), Staphylococcus aureus (100%), Streptococcus pyogenes (50%), Bacillus cerus (30%), Seratia marcescens (30%), Klebsiella spp (50%) and Proteus spp (50%) were isolated and identified in four rooms ( 37, 38, 39, and 47), with six occupants each, while room 48 and 49 had two occupants respectively; hence bacterial load were relatively non-significant. However, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes and Bacillus cerus were identified as the most pathogenic isolates seen in the rooms under study. The study highlights the potential impact of occupancy levels on microbial presence within indoor spaces. The results shows that students in rooms 37, 38, 39 and 47 have a high risk of health and disease implications due to poor ventilation and overcrowding, unlike the students in rooms 48 and 49 with low risk of infectious diseases. Therefore, the study recommends a periodic indoor air quality assessment in the students’ hostel, implementation of good health hygiene practices, maintaining environmental sanitation and managing the environmental factors that supports the multiplication of the bacteria especially in the dry season are crucial to preventing the spread of diseases in the hostel.

Particulate Matter (PM2.5) and Mould Characteristics in Selected Classrooms Located in Waikato, New Zealand: Preliminary Results

Small airborne particulate contaminants such as mould spores can harm human health by causing or exacerbating respiratory illnesses. Such particulates tend to be microscopic; however, in the case of moulds, contamination can be associated with visible colonial growth on surfaces and musty odours detectable by occupants of the room. Shared spaces, such as offices and classrooms, represent areas of higher risk due to the larger numbers of people being exposed to airborne particulates. To better appreciate the health risks associated with airborne particulates, it is therefore advantageous to assess the levels of breathable particulates in a room and compare them with the proportion of particulates represented by mould spores. An air image sensor machine was used to collect PM2.5 particulate levels for three urban-campus classrooms and three semi-urban-campus classrooms during different wintertime (August) days in New Zealand. For each room, a settle-plate method was also used to compare background mould levels at breathing height for seated occupants. Three of the classrooms had been recently built or renovated with an adequate ventilation system installed, while the remaining three classrooms were not upgraded and had no evidence of a ventilation system. The results indicated that the classrooms in the new building, located at the semi-urban campus, tended to have lower levels of particulate matter PM2.5 compared with the urban classrooms, which had not been upgraded. However, the semi-urban classrooms tended to have higher mould counts than the urban spaces. Moreover, the building envelope for both new and old classrooms tended to be porous, with indoor PM2.5 readings increasing in step with outdoor PM2.5 readings. This study will assist in identifying new approaches to reduce the risk of particulate-related respiratory issues associated with urban teaching spaces, particularly those buildings requiring more sustainable technologies to purify the air and improve the indoor air quality (IAQ).

Influence of meteorological factors and air pollutants on bacterial concentration across two urban areas of the Sistan region of Iran

This study assesses relationships between meteorological factors and air pollutants with ambient bacterial concentration. In the two main cities of Sistan, Zabol and Zahak, airborne bacteria concentration was monitored using the settle plate method inside and outside household environments during dusty days and nights in summer, autumn, and winter in 2022. As context for the study, it was determined that air quality index (AQI) values >100 on most sampling days in Zabol (51.9%) and Zahak (70.4%), with higher values in summer than autumn and winter. The lowest and highest bacterial concentrations in outdoor air were observed at AQI < 50 (good) and AQI > 300 (hazardous), respectively, in both cities. Bacterial concentration showed a decreasing trend from summer to winter, which coincided with a decreasing trend of air pollutant indices, wind speed, and temperature in addition to an increasing trend of relative humidity. Temperature, relative humidity, and atmospheric pressure had negative correlations, while wind speed and air pollutant indices (PM10, PM2.5 and AQI) showed positive correlations and wind direction had no correlation with bacterial concentrations. The factors best related to bacterial concentrations were air quality indices (PM10, PM2.5 and AQI) in both cities, with the highest levels driven by dust storms in Sistan.

Physical parameters influence the microbial quality of indoor air in research laboratories: A report from Malaysia

The quality of air conditioning and ventilation systems in laboratories is vital to ensure optimum health of the users and guarantee the accuracy of experiments conducted. Moreover, recent studies show that the average quality of air conditioning and ventilation systems in labs can pose health risks to occupants. The study aims to examine the relationship between physical parameters and microbial pollutants in research laboratories' indoor air quality (IAQ) by quantifying and characterising the bacteria and fungi in the indoor environment of research laboratories using the settle plate method; whereby our Petri dishes containing media are exposed to the air for sample collection. This study was conducted over the course of 3 ​day ​at three different research laboratories: Virology Lab (VL), Genetic Lab (GL), and Aquatic Lab (AL). The physical parameters such as air temperature, humidity and carbon dioxide were measured using FLUKE 975 air meter, whereas the microbial parameters were assessed using the settle plate method with Tryptone Soya agar and Sabouraud Dextrose agar for the bacterial and fungal count, respectively. Our results showed that the high temperature and relative humidity, exceeded the standard threshold for temperature (23–26 ​°C) and relative humidity (40–70%) set by the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH). Additionally, because of poor air conditioning and ventilation system maintenance, there were high total bacterial counts in GL (CFU/m3 234.34 ​± ​30.93) and total fungal counts in VL (CFU/m3 589.34 ​± ​53.03). We also showed that the most commonly isolated bacteria and fungi in research laboratories were Staphylococcus spp. (72.2%) and Cladosporium spp. (76.7%). In conclusion, we reported that there was a correlation between the physical parameters and microbial pollutants in the research laboratories. Therefore, regular monitoring of indoor air quality (IAQ) parameters and maintenance of the air conditioning and ventilation system should be carried out to ensure a good and safe indoor environment in research laboratories.

Impacts of dust storms on indoor and outdoor bioaerosol concentration in the Sistan region of Iran

Monitoring indoor and outdoor bioaerosol concentrations is essential for environmental management and evaluation of the health impact of air pollution. This study assessed indoor and outdoor microbial air quality for two cities of the Sistan region in Iran, Zabol and Zahak, in summer (July and August) and autumn (October and November) of 2022. Indoor air quality was compared between two rooms with varying conditions associated with windows (living room: windows opened to the north and to the prevailing wind; bedroom: opened to the south and opposite to the prevailing wind). Bacterial concentrations were monitored using the settle plate method inside and outside household environments at 6:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 4:30 p.m., 7:30 p.m., and 12:30 a.m. Zahak exhibited higher PM10 and bacterial concentrations compared to Zabol. Bacterial concentrations in the outdoor environment were significantly higher than those in indoor air and also higher in summer than autumn in both cities. There was no significant difference in indoor air samples between the two rooms (p> 0.05) in Zabol, indicating that the bacteria pollution was similar in the two rooms. Diurnal and day-to-day patterns of airborne bacteria were similar in indoor and outdoor air, consistent with PM10 variations, pointing to the association between outdoor and indoor air quality. PM10 and bacterial concentrations peaked at 10:30 a.m. and were lowest at 4:30 p.m. Results of this study have implications for other dust-prone cities of the world and offer a valuable dataset for bacterial concentrations to compare with other regions of the world.

A Correlation between the Number of Airborne Bacteria and Fungi using the Settle Plate Method with Temperature and Relative Humidity at the Clinical Microbiology Laboratory of Dr. Soetomo Regional General Hospital Surabaya, Indonesia

Air is an important part of human life. However, air can be contaminated with microorganisms such as airborne bacteria and fungi. Temperature and relative humidity in a room can have an impact on the quantity of airborne bacteria and fungi. This study aims to figure out the correlation between the number of airborne bacteria and fungi with temperature and relative humidity. In 15 rooms of Microbiology laboratory, NA and SDA Petri plates were placed, after incubation, the number of colonies in each plate was counted. Pearson test was conducted with SPSS to determine the correlation between temperature and relative humidity to the number of airborne bacteria and fungi. The highest number of airborne bacteria was in the reading room (352 CFU/m3), while the lowest number was in the laundry room (13 CFU/m3) and the highest number of airborne fungi was in the Mycology room (156 CFU/m3), while there were no airborne fungi found in the urine and laundry rooms. Based on the results of the Pearson test, it was found that the value of p = 0.668 (p&gt; 0.5) showed that there was no correlation between temperature and the number of airborne bacteria and fungi. Based on the results of the Pearson test, the value of p = 0.745 (p&gt; 0.5) showed that there was no correlation between relative humidity and the number of airborne bacteria and fungi. There is no correlation between temperature and relative humidity with the number of airborne bacteria and fungi.

MYCOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT OF INDOOR AIR QUALITY: CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY OF SELECTED PRIVATE HOSPITALS IN DUTSE, JIGAWA STATE, NORTHWEST NIGERIA

The purity of breathable air in an indoor environment is one of the factors that determines how healthy the inhabitants are. In order to evaluate the mycological indoor air quality of a few chosen private hospitals in Dutse metropolitan, this study was carried out. To choose the three (3) private hospitals that agreed to the study’s conduct, a purposive sampling technique was used. The settle plate method was adopted to isolate fungi in the morning, afternoon, and evening using eighty one (81) sterile sabouraud dextrose agar (SDA) plates. Following that, established microbiological techniques were used to identify the fungal isolates. The indoor environment of the private hospitals were extensively contaminated with fungal aerosols, according to the results, with mean fungal loads in the morning (4680 CFU/m3), afternoon (3566 CFU/m3), and evening (3016.33 CFU/m3). However, the mean fungal load obtained in Dr. Bashir hospital (4966 CFU/m3) was significantly (p&lt; 0.05) different from other private hospitals while the mean fungal loads obtained across all the private hospitals were not significantly (p&gt; 0.05)different from each other. Penicillium spp. (23.46%), Aspergillus flavus (7.41%), Mucor spp. (17.28%), Rhizopus spp. (13.58%) and Aspergillus niger (23.46%) were isolated across the private hospital indoor environment. The findings in this study indicate that fungal aerosols were able to accumulate in the examined indoor environment of the hospitals regardless of the sampling intervals, suggesting that they may have the ability to act as a reservoir of fungal infections. Therefore, it is advised that safety precautions should be taken in order to lessen fungal contamination in the hospitals’ indoor environment.

Indoor Air Pollution and Its Determinants in Household Settings in Jaipur, India

Individuals spend 90% of their time indoors, primarily at home or at work. Indoor environmental factors have a signifcant impact on human well-being. It was a longitudinal study that assessed the major factors that reduce indoor air quality, namely particulate matter, and bio-aerosols, using low-cost sensors and the settle plate method, respectively also to determine the effect of atmospheric parameters and land use patterns in households of commercial, industrial, residential, slum, and rural areas of the city. PM2.5 concentration levels were similar in most parts of the day across all sites. PM10.0 concentration levels increased indoors in a commercial area. PM2.5 concentration showed a negative correlation with temperature and a positive correlation with relative humidity in some areas. Very high values of PM2.5 concentration and PM10.0 concentration have been observed in this study, inside households of selected rural and urban areas. Pathogenic gram-positive cocci, gram-positive rods, Aspergillus, and Mucor species were the most common bacterial and fungal species respectively found inside households. This study examined particulate matter concentration along with bio-aerosols, as very less studies have been conducted in Jaipur the capital of Rajasthan, a state in the western part of India which assessed both of these factors together to determine the indoor air quality. Rural households surrounding the periphery of the city were found to have similar pollution levels as urban households. So, this study may form the basis for reducing pollution inside households and also for taking suitable measures for the reduction of pollution in the indoor environment.

Microbial Assessment of Indoor Air Quality of Laboratory Sections in Obong University, Obong Ntak, Nigeria

Background: Poor indoor air quality constitutes a significant health problem in schools, mostly in the laboratory sections due to a high number of students per laboratory vis-a-vis space confinement, insufficient outside air supply, poor construction and maintenance of laboratory buildings. Aim: This study was carried out to assess the air quality and identify airborne bacteria and fungi in selected sections of Obong University Laboratory. Materials and Methods: Institutional based study employing passive air sampling, settle plate or gravitational sampling method to collect airborne bacteria and fungi was conducted in 3 selected laboratory sections of the University. Culture, isolation, colony count/air quality assessment and identification of airborne bacteria and fungi were done using standard methods. Results: The mean bacterial load was 111.75 CFU/m3 in the morning and 125.25 CFU/m3 in the afternoon. The highest and lowest bacterial loads were recorded at the Laboratory Animal Room (LAR) to be 165 CFU/m3 and 201 CFU/m3 in the morning and afternoon, respectively. The total fungal load was 100 CFU/m3 in the morning and 170 CFU/m3 in the afternoon with the mean estimate of 25 CFU/m3 in the morning and 42.5 CFU/m3 in the afternoon. The highest fungal load was equally estimated in the LAR at a percentage rate of 55% and 54.12% in the morning and afternoon, respectively. The results of the indoor air quality assessment of the different laboratory sections revealed a very low (&lt;50 CFU/m3) to low (50-100 CFU/m3) degree of both fungal and bacterial air pollution within the sampling time. A total of 3 bacterial and 5 fungal species were isolated as follows: Staphylococcus aureus 16(61.5%), coagulase negative Staphylococcus species (CoNS) 7 (27%) and Bacillus species 3 (11.5%); Aspergillus flavus 7 (25%), Aspergillus niger 8 (28.5%), Penicillium chrysogenum 4 (14.3%), Rhizopus spp. 5 (17.9%) and Fusarium spp. 4 (14.3%). The levels of indoor airborne bacteria and fungi as revealed in this study were found to be within the acceptable and permissible limits of microbial load ≤500 CFU/m3. Conclusion: Attention should be given to control those human, animal and environmental factors which favour the proliferation of bacteria and fungi in the indoor environment of school laboratories to safeguard the health of students, lecturers and laboratory personnel in the University. Keywords: Microbial Quality, Indoor Air, Laboratory, Colony, Pollution

INVESTIGATION OF ANTIMICROBIAL TREATMENT OF TEXTILE MATERIALS ON THE EFFECTIVENESS OF INHIBITION OF BACTERIAL CONTAMINATION FROM THE ENVIRONMENT

The purpose of the work is to develop an antimicrobial composition and study the quality of antimicrobial treatment of cotton textile materials. An aqueous solution of polyhexamethylene guanidine chloride was used as an object of study as an effective, safe antimicrobial agent. To increase the stability of the treatment to washing, additives of glycidyl ethers capable of crosslinking reaction, with epoxy groups of different functionality and mass fraction were studied. The treatment of cotton fabric was carried out by impregnation with an aqueous solution of polyhexamethylene guanidine chloride and glycidyl ethers in a finishing bath, followed by drying and curing. Checking the antimicrobial effect of cotton fabric was carried out by the settle plate method by analyzing the diffusion of the fabric disc on agar after treatment with an antimicrobial composition and after washing. The paper presents the results of a study of the quality of cotton fabric treatment from the use of polyhexamethylene guanidine chloride and various glycidyl ethers in the antimicrobial composition to increase the resistance to washing. The efficiency of inhibition of bacterial contamination from the environment of fabric samples treated with the antimicrobial composition was established. The results of the experiment showed that almost all fabric samples modified with polyhexamethylene guanidine chloride and glycidyl ethers are characterized by a pronounced zone of inhibition of microflora seeded from the air, but a composition containing butyl cellosolve monoglycidyl ether with a mass fraction of epoxy groups of 16.0 – 20.0% has a greater resistance to washing. It has been proven that the introduction of butyl cellosolve monoglycidyl ether with a mass fraction of epoxy groups of 16.0 – 20.0% into a finishing composition based on polyhexamethylene guanidine chloride makes it possible to provide an antimicrobial effect of a textile material and increase the resistance of the antimicrobial effect to washing. The obtained results of the experiment are of practical importance for the development of new finishing compositions in order to impart antimicrobial properties to textile materials.

EFFECTIVENESS OF THE ANTIMICROBIAL TREATMENT OF TEXTILE MATERIALS FOR USE AT HOME AND IN PUBLIC SPACES

The purpose of the work is to develop an antimicrobial composition and study the effectiveness of antimicrobial treatment of textile materials. Methodology. Polyhexamethylene guanidine chloride with bio-based antimicrobial preparations were used as the objects of the study as effective safe antimicrobial agents. The treatment of cotton fabric was carried out by impregnation with an aqueous solution of polymer and polyhexamethylene guanidine chloride and bio-based antimicrobial preparations in a finishing bath, followed by drying and thermal fixation. Changes in the structural parameters of the acrylic polymer and the number of crosslinks in the bulk of the polymer formation were determined from the property of crosslinked polymer systems to swell in solvents to a limited extent. Examination of the antimicrobial effect of textile materials was carried out by analyzing the diffusion of the fabric disk on agar after treatment with the antimicrobial composition and after washing. To determine the effectiveness of the antimicrobial action of bio-based preparations, one of the representatives of the wound microflora, the gram-positive bacterium Staphylococcus pyoqenes from the Ukrainian collection of microorganisms, was used as a test culture. Findings. The results of the study of textile materials after treatment with bio-based antimicrobial preparations and polyhexamethylene guanidine chloride are presented. An increase in the resistance of the antimicrobial effect to washing was achieved by introducing an acrylic polymer into the finishing composition, the structure formation of which was evaluated by the amount of the acetone-insoluble fraction of polymer films during extraction in solvents. The results of the study showed that the introduction of antimicrobial agents into the polymer composition increases the degree of crosslinking of the polymer film due to the use of polyhexamethylene guanidine chloride. The effectiveness of the antimicrobial action of bio-based preparations has been proven by the results of a study on a test culture of a gram-positive bacterium Staphylococcus pyoqenes, which is confirmed by the appearance of a zone of inhibition of the microorganism around the studied fabric sample. Studies using the settle plate method showed that all fabric samples treated with the antibacterial composition are characterized by a pronounced zone of microflora growth inhibition. Originality. It has been proven that an acrylic polymer-based finishing composition containing polyhexamethylene guanidine chloride and bio-based preparations provides an antimicrobial effect to a textile material and will improve the wash resistance of the antimicrobial effect by increasing the degree of crosslinking of the acrylic polymer. Practical value. The obtained results of the experiment are of practical importance for the development of new finishing compositions for imparting antimicrobial properties to textile materials.

P339 A study of environmental risk factors in chronic rhinosinusitis

Poster session 3, September 23, 2022, 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM ObjectivesChronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a complex disease that incorporates many different conditions. Our aim is to determine the role of environmental risk factors in chronic rhinosinusitis.MethodsThis was a case-control study where forty cases of CRS in the age group of 18-62 years were recruited from the ENT-OPD of UCMS and GTB Hospital, Delhi, a tertiary care hospital, along with 40 age-appropriate healthy controls. Informed and written consent was obtained from all the subjects. Detailed history and examination along with routine blood and radiological investigations were done. Subjective assessment of disease was done using visual analog scales of SNOT 22 questionnaire, environmental questionnaire, and saccharine test. Objective assessment was done using endoscopic grading according to Lund and Kennedy scoring. CT scores were also obtained using Lund and Mackay staging system. Passive air sampling was done by the settle plate method and Anderson six-stage cascade impactor was used for active air sampling. Blood agar and Sabouraud dextrose agar plates were inserted on the six stages of the cascade impactor, which were later incubated at 35°C and 25°C respectively, for 18-24 hours. Bioaerosol concentrations were calculated and MicroScan WalkAway system was used to identify bacterial and fungal growth. The correlation between total bioaerosol concentration and the symptom score was done by spearman's correlation coefficient; a comparison of mean total bioaerosol concentration between the case and control groups was done by Mann-Whitney U-test.ResultsThe mean total bio-aerosol concentration from active air sampling in the case group was 458.52 CFU/m3 and 437.63 CFU/m3 in control, which was not significant. It was found to be negatively correlated, but not significant with various parameters in case groups like SNOT 22 score, environmental exposure score, saccharine test, smoking, and endoscopic score. A positive but insignificant correlation was found between total bioaerosol concentration and absolute eosinophilic count and CT score. The mean CFU/100 mm3 counted after passive air sampling between case and control group was 34.03 and 30.88 CFU/100mm3 which was not significant. Fungal growths were mostly Aspergillus flavus and A. Niger followed by Cladosporium spp.ConclusionThe fungal burden was high in all the households of the case as well as control groups, although, a significant correlation could not be established. The environmental conditions found in this study were found to be conducive to future risk of exacerbation of preexisting fungal infections for which, indoor air quality needs to be monitored.

P356 An aeromycological study of diagnostic microbiology laboratory at a tertiary care center

Poster session 3, September 23, 2022, 12:30 PM - 1:30 PMObjectivesTo evaluate the aeromycoflora of diagnostic microbiology laboratory at a tertiary care center.MethodsThis is an ecological prospective analytical study. This pilot study was conducted at a diagnostic microbiology laboratory in which the Bacteriology section and Mycology section were the study areas. One indoor and one outdoor community area were taken as community controls and histopathology lab was taken as Laboratory control. The sampling was done every fortnight for a period of 1 year from March 2021 to February 2022.Environmental air samples were collected using the passive settle plate method based on sedimentation on 90 mm Sabouraud Dextrose Agar plates. The plates were exposed for 30 mins at a height of 1 m and a distance of 1m from the wall as per standard references.After sample collection, plates were incubated at 22°C for a maximum of 3 weeks or till the time the colonies were countable. The colonies were counted and the total CFU/m3 was calculated using the Omeliansky Formula. The identification of the isolates was done using standard mycological protocols. Statistical analysis using paired student t-test was also performed.ResultsA total of 13 types of fungi were isolated in the study belonging to the following genera- Aspergillus, Alternaria, Curvularia, Bipolaris, Cladosporium, Fonseacea, Fusarium, Penicillium, and Rhizopus. In the Bacteriology section, the highest frequency was of A. niger (63%) followed by A. flavus (50%) while in the mycology section the highest frequency of A. fumigatus (50%) followed by A. flavus (46%) was observed.Certain fungal species known to cause serious infections like A. flavus, Rhizopus arrhizus, Fusarium spp., Penicillium spp., Curvularia spp., were isolated only in the laboratory environment and were absent in the Community Controls.The total CFU/m3 ranged from 26.11 to 576.64 in mycology section and 26.11 to 419.37 in Bacteriology section while in the indoor community control the range was between 26.11 to 235.89 CFU/m3 which was found to be statistically significantly lesser using T-test when compared to the laboratory environment. A seasonal variation with higher counts during the autumn months (September-October) was observed in both the labs. Seasonal variation in the distribution of fungi was observed especially in the case of Rhizopus.ConclusionHealthcare workers spending a significant time in this environment need to be made aware of the quality of air in laboratories and initiation of appropriate intervention to make the laboratory environment safer to work as in this study it was found that more pathogenic fungi were grown in a laboratory environment which is clearly due to the processing of clinical samples in labs as compared to the community environment.The use of standard aseptic precautions, biosafety cabinets, fumigation of laboratories, and regular housekeeping activities would help to decrease the aerosols generated in the labs.The results from this study will be useful to spread awareness and help in formulating guidelines for the air quality of laboratories. However, aeromycology data from more such studies over a larger number of labs from different demographic areas are needed to enable a better understanding of the role of the formulation of standards for a safer laboratory environment.

Inactivation of Airborne Viruses using Newly Designed Emitron

The objective of the current research is to validate the microbiological quality of Emitron against MS2 phage, Corona virus, bacteria, yeast, and molds. Unimech healthcare designed PMEE based Emitron which is mostly used to reduce the microbial count and virus count in an area. To perform microbiological testing of the Emitron, environmental monitoring was performed for MS2 phage, Corona virus, bacteria, yeast, and molds before and after treatment by settle plate method. Petri plates of sterilized Phage agar, SCDA and PDA media were prepared and exposed for environment monitoring before and after treatment by settle plate method. The phage agar and SCDA plates were incubated at 37°C for 72 hours and PDA plates incubated at 25°C for 5 days. Total of 99% reduction was reported in microbiology lab with respect to the microorganisms after installing Emitron. We can conclude that the Unimech healthcare’s Emitron is virus attenuation device so one can use it to purify the air and kill the viruses, bacteria, fungi, and other microbes.

Inactivation of Airborne Viruses using Newly Designed Emitron

The objective of the current research is to validate the microbiological quality of Emitron against MS2 phage, Corona virus, bacteria, yeast, and molds. Unimech healthcare designed PMEE based Emitron which is mostly used to reduce the microbial count and virus count in an area. To perform microbiological testing of the Emitron, environmental monitoring was performed for MS2 phage, Corona virus, bacteria, yeast, and molds before and after treatment by settle plate method. Petri plates of sterilized Phage agar, SCDA and PDA media were prepared and exposed for environment monitoring before and after treatment by settle plate method. The phage agar and SCDA plates were incubated at 37°C for 72 hours and PDA plates incubated at 25°C for 5 days. Total of 99% reduction was reported in microbiology lab with respect to the microorganisms after installing Emitron. We can conclude that the Unimech healthcare’s Emitron is virus attenuation device so one can use it to purify the air and kill the viruses, bacteria, fungi, and other microbes.