Assessment of airborne fungi in the emergency and traumatology departments of University Hospital Centre, Sidi Bel-Abbes, Algeria

Abstract

Introduction: Airborne fungi in hospital environments represent a significant
risk, particularly in wards housing immunocompromised patients, where
they may contribute to nosocomial infections, including hospital-acquired
mold diseases. This study aimed to assess the presence of airborne fungi
in operating theatres, waiting areas, and corridors within the emergency and
traumatology departments of the University Hospital Centre in Sidi Bel-Abbes,
Algeria, and to examine environmental and human-related determinants.
Method: Seventy-four samples were collected using passive air sampling.
Temperature, relative humidity, and occupant density were recorded. Fungi
were identified by macroscopic and microscopic characteristics.
Results: Operating theatres showed the lowest contamination 18 (28.10%),
whereas corridors and waiting rooms each accounted for 23 (35.9%). Occupant
density was significantly associated with fungal levels (p = 0.05). Aspergillus
and Penicillium predominated.
Conclusion: The findings indicate that the operating theatres, waiting rooms,
and corridors of the emergency and traumatology departments exhibited
relatively low levels of fungal contamination. Airborne fungal concentrations,
expressed as Colony Forming Units (CFU)/m³ based on agar plate exposure,
were within limits; a few specific high-risk samples (12%) in operating theatres
exceeded the threshold.