Abstract

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As people spend most of their time in enclosed surroundings, concerns about microbiological contaminants such as bacteria, fungus, and viruses in the air are critical. This study assessed the microbiological quality of indoor environment of major Departments ata Medical center in Umuahia, Abia State. Settled plate method was adopted, using three (3) 8.5 cm diameter Petri dishes containing different culture media for bacteria and fungi. Samplings plates of Nutrient agar, Blood agar (BA) and Sabouraud dextrose agar (NA, BA, and SDA) were exposed at about 3 meters apart. The result showed that the bacterial load in the Intensive Care Department (ICD), Postnatal Department (PN), and Emergency Department (ED) was higher in the morning hours than in the afternoon hours, with mean values of 2.40 ×104 CFU/m3, 2.85× 103 CFU/m3, and 2.85× 103 CFU/m3, respectively. The control sample had the lowest load in the morning (1.45 CFU/m3) and the highest load in the afternoon (2.36 CFU/m3).Fungi load observed in ICD and ED was higher in the morning and lesser in the afternoon, with a mean value of 6.85× 103CFU/m3 and 5.89 × 103CFU/m3, respectively. In PN, fungi load was higher in the afternoon, and lower in the morning with a mean value of 2.19 × 103 CFU/m3. The control sample had the lowest load at 2.19 CFU/m3 in the morning and 2.56 CFU/m3 in the afternoon. Public health requires constant investigation of the aero-microbiological contamination of indoor air. It is recommended that natural ventilation through proper windows and doors be upheld.

Keywords: Bacteria, Fungi, Indoor microbiological quality, Medical Center