An Investigation on Bio-aerosol Concentrations in the Different Wards of Hospitals of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences

Document Type : Original Article(s)

Authors

1 Lecturer, Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Health, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran

2 Associate Professor, Environment Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran

3 Laboratory of Microbiology, Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Health, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran

Abstract

Background: Bioaerosol is defined as airborne particles such as living organisms include bacteria, viruses, fungi and their related metabolites, such as endotoxin. The exposure to bioaerosols in the hospital may causes infection especially in immunocompromised patients. The purpose of this study was to investigate the Bioaerosol concentrations in air of various parts of three hospitals of Isfahan University of medical sciences, Iran.Methods: An Anderson biosampler was used for the bacterial and fungal collection. The effect of factors such as humidity, temperature and outdoor Bioaerosol concentrations were also evaluated.Findings: The lowest mean of fungal and bacterial concentration was observed in hospital operating rooms and the highest concentration was detected in infectious diseases ward of hospital 1 and 2 and surgery ward of hospital 3. Significantly, bacterial levels were found to be higher in hospital wards than outdoor; except hospital operating roo. Conclusion: Our results show that bioaerosol concentrations in hospitals were relatively high and in particular, the higher levels of bacteria than outdoor might be related to the presence of patients, their activity, unsuitable ventilation and disinfection. Therefore, environmental control measures are needed to assure hospital environmental quality especially in wards with immunocompromised patients.

Keywords

References

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Journal of Isfahan Medical School
Volume 29, Issue 149 - Serial Number 149
July and August 2011
Pages 1028-1036

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History

  • Receive Date: 15 August 2011
  • Revise Date: 26 May 2024
  • Accept Date: 06 April 2022

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