MICROBIOLOGICAL QUALITY OF AIR AND WORK BENCH SURFACES OF SELECTED MEDICAL LABORATORIES WITHIN IKOT EKPENE METROPOLIS

Abstract The microbiological quality of air and work bench surfaces of selected medical laboratory within Ikot Ekpene metropolis was carried out using standard microbiological techniques. The results of the studies revealed the highest bacterial and fungal counts from Ca with work bench indicating count of (9.8 x 107cfu/cm3 and 1.7 x 107cfu/cm3) and air indicated (8.1 x 107cfu/cm3 and 1.2 x 107cfu/cm3), followed by Sp with work bench (8.6 x 107cfu/cm3 and 1.2 x 107cfu/cm3) and air (6.4 x 107cfu/cm3 and 1.0 x 107cfu/cm3), while Dm recorded air sample (6.0 x 107cfu/cm3 and 1.0 x 107cfu/cm3), and work bench (4.7 x 107cfu/cm3 and 1.0 x 107cfu/cm3) respectively. The study revealed the presence of five (5) bacteria and four (4) fungal genera with frequency distribution and percentage of occurrence in a descending order with Staphylococcus sp having the highest of 40(39.2%), followed by Pseudomonas sp 25(24.5%), Bacillus sp 15(14.7%), Proteus sp 12(11.7%), while Bacillus subtilis 10(9.8%) for bacteria, and Aspergillus sp recorded 8(37.5%), followed by Penicillium sp 4(25.0%), while Rhizopus sp and Mucor sp recorded the least frequency and percentage of occurrence 3(18.8%) each respectively for fungi. The results of the study when compared with National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) standard revealed that fungal counts in all the laboratories were within the permissible limit, bacterial air quality profile in laboratories (Dm) and (Ca air sample) were within the permissible limit, while Sp surface and Ca (both air quality and surfaces) were above the recommended permissible limit. Indoor-air and surfaces are potential sources or vehicle of human infection such as diarrhea, dysentery, anthrax, ocular infection, meningitis, endocarditis etc. Hence, laboratories personnel should observed universal precaution in order to handle all biological substances as a potential infectious material, regular sanitation and clean-up of laboratories benches should be observed, proper and good ventilation should be provided in all laboratories.