Microbiological air contamination in university premises and the evaluation of drug resistance of staphylococci occurring in the form of a bioaerosol

Abstract

The aim of this research was to evaluate exposure to microbiological aerosol of persons staying in selected office and teaching areas of the university premises. The number and biodiversity of microorganisms constituting the bioaerosol, in particular the Staphylococcus spp., and their drug resistance profile, were determined. Moreover, the influence of temperature, level of airborne particle concentration and the type of ventilation on the number of microorganisms was analysed. The monitoring was carried out using the MAS-100 impactor. The level of airborne particle concentration was measured using the DustTrak II dust meter. The analysis of drug resistance level of staphylococci was carried out using the disk-diffusion method. On the basis of research conducted, the highest microbiological air contamination was found in the biomass lab, due to the research carried out there. On the other hand, no unequivocal link between the concentration of microorganisms present in the air and the type of ventilation used was found. Airborne particles concentrations of PM10 and PM2.5 exceeded the standard limit values – therefore the air was classified as contaminated. In the sampled air, multi-resistant staphylococci were found, which may pose an epidemiological threat to persons staying in the analysed premises.