Types and quantities of microorganisms in ambient air of outpatient departments, Sunpasitthiprasong Hospital in Ubon Rattchathani

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to identify the types and quantity of bacteria and fungi in the air of Sunpasitthiprasong Hospital. The data has been collected from 6 outpatient departments from the Sunpasitthiprasong Hospital, in Ubon Ratchathani. This study was a cross sectional survey research with Biostage Single-Impactors during December 2016 to February 2017 (Thrice each month) and contains 432 samples. The results of the analysis of the type of bacteria founded 5 different species which is Bacillus spp, Diphtheroids spp, Coagulase-negative Staphylococcus, Micrococcus spp and Acinetobacter spp. Among them, the most common bacteria is Bacillus spp, founded 47.88% (279 CFU/m³). Furthermore, the results showed 4 different fungi species which is Aspergillus spp, Fusarium spp, Penicillium spp and Rhizopus spp. The most common fungi is Aspergillus spp, founded 57.07%(230 CFU/m³).  The study showed that the average quantity of microorganisms in the air in the morning is 1012 CFU/m³ (±439) which the largest volume is 1803 CFU/m³ founded at Medicine Department in December. Contrariwise, the minimal volume is 545 CFU/m³ founded at Infectious Disease Department in February. In addition to this, the average quantity of the microorganism in the air in the afternoon is 960 CFU/m³ (±481)  which the largest volume is 1957 CFU/m³ founded at Medicine Department in December and the minimal volume is 497 CFU/m³ founded at Infectious Disease Department in January. Moreover, the values obtained from the study compared with the recommended values of air quality in buildings and public places in average 8 hours by Indoor Air Quality Management Group by Hong Kong Special Administrative Region showed that the overall result was in the standard value in January

and February.