Surveillance of Fungal Airborne Contamination in Hospital Wards in Indonesia ۲۰۲۰-۲۰۲۱: Impact of HEPA Filters and Occupancy

Background: Airborne biological agentsmaterials in hospitals, such as fungal i micro-colonies, play a significant role in life-threatening airborne infections in immunocompromised individuals. Thus, it is crucial to reduce airborne contamination and address the related several of its influencing factors. This study aimeds to evaluate indoor air quality (IAQ) in terms ofrelated to fungal contamination, the fungal genera contaminating the  hospital rooms' air, and several factors that could influence IAQ in hospital rooms. Materials & Methods: This environmental surveillance study was conducted in two rooms for onea year, andwith ۲۸۸ air specimens were collected using thean active air sampling method equipped with chloramphenicol-supplemented Sabouraud Ddextrose Aagar. In addition to air samples, tTemperature, relative humidity, and occupants’ number were also recorded. The fFungal colony counts wereas recorded and converted using the Feller table. Furthermore, the fungi were identified based on macroscopic and microscopic characteristics. Findings: The mean difference of isolated fungi between the twoboth rooms was statistically significant (p< ۰.۰۰۰۱). Yeast, Penicillium spp, and Aspergillus spp. were the most predominant fungi. Both rooms hadwere observed to have room temperature and relative humidity above the national recommended levels (above ۲۳ ˚C and ۶۰%). However, the number of oOccupants' number in the room without HEPA filter was significantly correlated with airborne fungal contamination level in the room without a HEPA filter. Conclusion: The level of airborne fungal contamination wasis significantly higher in the room without a HEPA filter. Yeast, Aspergillus spp., and Penicillium spp. were the most predominant fungi isolated fromin both rooms. Room temperature and relative humidity haddid not effect oninfluence the level of airborne fungal contamination level. The oOccupants' number in the room without a HEPA filter influenced airborne fungal contamination level.

Keywords:

Fungal count , Air filters , Air pollutants , Nosocomial infection