Bioaerosol sampling for airborne bacteria in a small animal veterinary teaching hospital

Abstract

BackgroundAirborne microorganisms within the hospital environment can potentially cause infection in susceptible patients. The objectives of this study were to identify, quantify, and determine the nosocomial potential of common airborne microorganisms present within a small animal teaching hospital.MethodsBioaerosol sampling was done initially in all 11 rooms and, subsequently, weekly samples were taken from selected rooms over a 9-week period. Samples were collected twice (morning and afternoon) at each site on each sampling day. The rooms were divided into two groups: Group 1, in which morning sampling was post-cleaning and afternoon sampling was during activity, and Group 2, in which morning sampling was pre-cleaning and afternoon sampling was post-cleaning. The total aerobic bacterial plate counts per m3 and bacterial identification were done using standard microbiological methods.ResultsA total of 14 bacterial genera were isolated with the most frequent being Micrococcus spp. followed by species of Corynebacterium, Bacillus, and Staphylococcus. There was a significant interaction between location and time for rooms in Group 1 (p=0.0028) but not in Group 2 (p>0.05). Microbial counts for rooms in Group 2 were significantly greater in the mornings than in the afternoon (p=0.0049). The microbial counts were also significantly different between some rooms (p=0.0333).ConclusionThe detection of significantly higher airborne microbial loads in different rooms at different times of the day suggests that the probability of acquiring nosocomial infections is higher at these times and locations.

Seasonal microbiological quality of air in veterinary practices in Poland

“…The highest average concentration of microorganisms in pet stores in South Korea during winter was 2,037 cfu/m 3 , the lowest 301 cfu/m 3 , and in summer,respectively, 1,808 and 773 cfu/m 3 . Similar values have also been observed in animal clinics with the maximum and minimum average in winter at 3,604 and 234 cfu/m 3 , while in summer it was reported at 1,580 and 439 cfu/m 3 [24,25]. These results show similar values to those obtained in Polish veterinary clinics, with the highest levels reported during autumn in the cities -2,121.80 cfu/m 3 (the research in South Korea was not performed in autumn), and the lowest in winter in rural centers -226.9 cfu/m 3 .…”

“…Especially noteworthy are the results obtained by Harper et al [24] who conducted a study of bacterial pollution in a small animal clinic. They observed higher concentrations of microorganisms in areas where the animals were housed on a 24-hour basis, including those that experienced intense mixing of air as a result of the opening of doors and windows, movement of personnel, and lack of regular cleaning of ventilation ducts.…”

“…A smaller number of microorganisms were present in the air after cleaning. The highest levels of bacterial contamination of air ranging from 500 cfu/ m 3 (in the morning) -300 cfu/m 3 (in the afternoon, after cleaning) were found by Harper et al [24] in the premises where the animal stay was permanent -in cages and postprocedural room (observational). The concentrations in ambulatory rooms were, respectively, 50 and 200 cfu/m 3 .…”

“…These results show similar values to those obtained in Polish veterinary clinics, with the highest levels reported during autumn in the cities -2,121.80 cfu/m 3 (the research in South Korea was not performed in autumn), and the lowest in winter in rural centers -226.9 cfu/m 3 . Moreover, it was noted that the air-purifying devices installed in some pet stores and veterinary clinics had no effect on the quality of the air [24,25]. Regardless of the type of object, bioaerosol concentrations were significantly higher Table 1 in winter than in summer.…”

“…Neither in Poland nor worldwide has such research been conducted in case of veterinary clinics. Few available publications address the problem of microbiological quality of air in small animal veterinary clinics and pet stores [24,25]. The highest average concentration of microorganisms in pet stores in South Korea during winter was 2,037 cfu/m 3 , the lowest 301 cfu/m 3 , and in summer,respectively, 1,808 and 773 cfu/m 3 .…”