ABSTRACT

Microbial damage in indoor or outdoor areas, is caused most frequently by molds and bacteria. The aim of this research is to identify and isolate air microflora in medical laboratories in Umuahia, Abia State. Prepared plates were exposed to air for 30mins at different sites in the respective medical laboratories. After sampling, all plates were immediately taken to the microbiology laboratory and incubated at 37ºC for 24 hours for isolation of bacteria. The colonies were sub-cultured onto a new fresh medium in order to obtain pure culture. After incubation and series of biochemical tests , a total of seven microbial genera were revealed which include Bacillus specie, Staphylococcus aureus, Microococcus species, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella sp, and four fungal genera which belong to Aspergillus niger and Penincillium sp, Aspergillus fumigatus and Aspergillus flavus. the percentage occurrences of the isolated organisms are Bacillus species (23.0%), S. aureus (23.0%), were predominant, followed by Micrococcus spp (13.5%), E.coli (13.5%),  P. aeruginosa (13.5%), Streptococcus spp (9.0%),  while  Klebsiella spp (4.5%) was least predominant while the percentage occurrence of fungal isolates. A. niger (40%) was predominant followed by Penicillium spp (30%), A. fumigatus (20%), and A flavus (10%). All the drugs inhibited Bacillus spp except Norfloxacin and Septrin. Norfloxacin Erythromycin, Chloramphenicol, Septrin and Augumentin didn’t inhibit S.aureus but others did. Every one of the drugs inhibited micrococcus spp. Except Levofloxacin, Rifampicin, Amoxil, Norfloxacin and E. all the drugs inhibited  E. coli. Only Septrin and Augumentin didn’t inhibit Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella spp, but others did. In order to develop the quality of indoor air in our medical laboratories buildings overcrowding has to be avoided, good ventilation systems has to be designed and good hygiene practice must be observed. 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Title Page i

Certification ii

Dedication iii

Acknowledgements iv

Table of Contents v

Lists of Tables vii

Abstract viii

CHAPTER ONE

1.0 Introduction 1

1.1 Aims and Objectives 3

1.2 Objectives 3

CHAPTER TWO

2.0 Literature Review 4

2.1 Air Pollution 7

2.2 Airborne Microbial Load in Hospitals 8

2.3 Bioaerosols    9

2.4 Types of Bioaerosols  9

2.5.1 Ejection of bioaerosols into the atmosphere 17

2.5.2 Small scale transport via clouds 17

2.5.3 Large scale transport via dust plumes 18

2.4 Sources Influencing Bioaerosols 20

2.5 Factors Affecting Bioaerosols 21

2.6 Health Risks  22

CHAPTER THREE

3.0 Materials and Methods  25

3.1 Collection of Samples 25

3.2 Media Used  25

3.3 Sterilization  26

3.4 Isolation of Microorganisms 26

3.5 Characterization and Identification of the Bacterial Isolates 26

3.5.1 Grams Staining 26

3.6 Biochemical Characteristics of the Isolates 27

3.6.1 Motility Test 27

3.6.2 Indole Test 28

3.6.3 Citrate Utilization 28

3.6.4 Sugar Fermentation 28

3.6.5 Oxidase Test 29

3.6.6 Coagulase Test 29

3.6.7 Urease Test 29

3.6.8 Methyl Red/ Voges Proskauer Test  30

3.6.9 Sugar Fermentation Tests  30

CHAPTER FOUR

4.0  Results 31

CHAPTER FIVE

5.0       Discussion, Conclusion and Recommendation 40

5.1 Discussion 40

5.2 Conclusion 43

5.3 Recommendation 43

References 44