Volume 23, Issue 1 (2026)
ioh 2026, 23(1): 38-54 |
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Ethics code: IR.GUMS.REC.1397.32
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Jamshidi Rastani M, Roohbakhsh E, Ghafouri Z, Pourbakhshi Y, Mohammadjani Kumeleh S, Shabani Arbusara N, et al . Assessment the Diversity and Density of Bacterial and Fungal Bioaerosols and Microbial Air Quality in Departments of Two Hospitals in Rasht. ioh 2026; 23 (1) :38-54
URL: http://ioh.iums.ac.ir/article-1-3698-en.html
URL: http://ioh.iums.ac.ir/article-1-3698-en.html
Mehdi Jamshidi Rastani 
, Esmaeil Roohbakhsh , Zahra Ghafouri , Yasaman Pourbakhshi , Shiva Mohammadjani Kumeleh , Niloofar Shabani Arbusara , Samira Ghiyasi , Mohammad Naimi Joubani , Ali Mojtahedi , Elham Yahyaei , Behnaz Rahmati , Mahmoud Heidari *
, Esmaeil Roohbakhsh , Zahra Ghafouri , Yasaman Pourbakhshi , Shiva Mohammadjani Kumeleh , Niloofar Shabani Arbusara , Samira Ghiyasi , Mohammad Naimi Joubani , Ali Mojtahedi , Elham Yahyaei , Behnaz Rahmati , Mahmoud Heidari *
Guilan University of Medical Sciences , mheidari1360@gmail.com
Abstract: (48 Views)
Introduction: The density and diversity of bioaerosols in hospital environments are major contributors to the transmission of communicable diseases and represent one of the most important causes of healthcare-associated infections (HCAIs), which pose serious risks of complications and mortality for both patients and healthcare staff. This study aimed to quantitatively assess and characterize bacterial and fungal bioaerosols, investigate factors influencing their density and diversity, and evaluate the microbial quality of indoor air in two hospitals located in Rasht, Iran.
Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in two public hospitals in Rasht. A total of 280 samples were collected from 70 stations across 14 wards in each hospital to isolate bacterial and fungal bioaerosols. Sterilization principles were strictly observed during sample preparation. Tryptic Soy Agar (TSA) was used for bacterial cultures, while Sabouraud Dextrose Agar (SDA) was employed for fungal cultures. Environmental factors, including building age, temperature, humidity, ventilation rate, and ward function, were examined for their impact on microbial load.
Results: Overall, 1,244 bacterial colonies and 645 fungal colonies were identified. The highest contamination level was observed in the emergency ward of Poursina Hospital, with a mean bacterial load of 314 ± 2.88 CFU/m³. The lowest contamination was recorded in the ICU of Velayat Hospital, with a mean fungal load of 56.2 ± 2.5 CFU/m³. Findings indicated that humidity and building age had a direct positive effect on microbial load and bioaerosol diversity, while seasonal temperature variations were not statistically significant. Each unit increase in air changes per hour (ACH) resulted in a 7.4% reduction in microbial load.
Conclusion: The results confirmed the influence of environmental factors and building age on microbial diversity and density. Given the limited feasibility and high cost of modifying such factors, improving clean air supply and enhancing ACH in both clinical and non-clinical spaces is considered the most effective strategy to reduce microbial load in the studied hospitals, including a specialized burn hospital.
Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in two public hospitals in Rasht. A total of 280 samples were collected from 70 stations across 14 wards in each hospital to isolate bacterial and fungal bioaerosols. Sterilization principles were strictly observed during sample preparation. Tryptic Soy Agar (TSA) was used for bacterial cultures, while Sabouraud Dextrose Agar (SDA) was employed for fungal cultures. Environmental factors, including building age, temperature, humidity, ventilation rate, and ward function, were examined for their impact on microbial load.
Results: Overall, 1,244 bacterial colonies and 645 fungal colonies were identified. The highest contamination level was observed in the emergency ward of Poursina Hospital, with a mean bacterial load of 314 ± 2.88 CFU/m³. The lowest contamination was recorded in the ICU of Velayat Hospital, with a mean fungal load of 56.2 ± 2.5 CFU/m³. Findings indicated that humidity and building age had a direct positive effect on microbial load and bioaerosol diversity, while seasonal temperature variations were not statistically significant. Each unit increase in air changes per hour (ACH) resulted in a 7.4% reduction in microbial load.
Conclusion: The results confirmed the influence of environmental factors and building age on microbial diversity and density. Given the limited feasibility and high cost of modifying such factors, improving clean air supply and enhancing ACH in both clinical and non-clinical spaces is considered the most effective strategy to reduce microbial load in the studied hospitals, including a specialized burn hospital.
Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
Air pollution
Received: 2024/11/12 | Accepted: 2026/01/18 | Published: 2026/03/30
Received: 2024/11/12 | Accepted: 2026/01/18 | Published: 2026/03/30
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