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Distribution of Hospital Airborne Microorganisms in Seoul, Korea  

Hong, Jun-Bai (Gene Analysis Team, Test and Research Center, Korea Consumer Protection Board)
Chung, Yun-Hee (Gene Analysis Team, Test and Research Center, Korea Consumer Protection Board)
Yun hee Chang (Department of Food and Nutrition, Myongji University)
Publication Information
Journal of Environmental Health Sciences / v.29, no.1, 2003 , pp. 1-7 More about this Journal
Abstract
This study was carried out to investigate the airborne microbial pollution in hospital environment. Using a mechanical air sampler, microbiological samples were taken from intensive care unit, general ward room, patients wailing room and outdoor of 20 hospitals in Seoul, Korea. The concentration of airborne bacteria and fungi ranged 97-410 cfu/㎥ and 37-77 cfu/㎥, respectively and patients waiting room had highest bacterial count. 10 genera of molds were identified and the most frequently recovered molds were Aspergillus, followed by Penicillium, Alternaria and Cladosporium. Among Staphylococcus species, S. haemolyticus and S. epidermidis were predominant and 47% of Staphylococcus species were isolated from intensive rare unit.
Keywords
Hospital environment; Airborne bacteria count; Fungi count;
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