131-136
Aerobacteriology of laboratories and offices: Evidence of high risk exposure to immune complex formation in Nigeria
Authors: Ezeani MC, Agba MI, Onyenekwe CC, Anahalu I, Azikiwe CC, Unaezeb BE , Ezeani UU
Number of views: 270
Objective: To evaluate the air bacterial load especially in high environmentally polluted areas.
Method: The air bacterial load of 5 laboratories and 2 offices in Anambra State were sampled,
using settled plate (sedimentation) method. Results: All the laboratories showed average of 44-55
colony forming units (CFU) within 15 minutes. Both aerobic and anaerobic bacteria were isolated.
The predominant bacteria were: Micrococcus, Diptheroids, Staphylococcus species, Bacillus
species, Corynebacterium diphtheriae (C. diphtheriae), Clostridium species and Propionibacterium
amongst other variety of bacteria isolated. Office with air-conditioning system gave a total of 34
CFU out of 74 CFU shown in the two 2 offices, while the office without air-conditioning system
gave forty (40) colonies. Conclusion: It was found that the laboratories with more number of
people, with frequent movement were more air loaded with bacteria than those with less number
of people. All the areas sampled, contain significantly high number of colony forming units (CFU)
than 3 CFU found in standard clean room P<0.001. It is an evidence of high risk of persistent
infections and subsequent immune complex formation.