Airborne Fungi Spores in Different Wards of Hospitals Affiliated to Kerman University of Medical Sciences

The infections resulting from opportunist invasive fungi, such as Aspergillus, are an increasingly developing problem in hospitalized patients especially those suffering from immunosuppressive deficiencies. In this study, air sampling from selected wards of three hospitals affiliated to Kerman University of Medical Sciences was carried out 2 times/day over 7 months (May – October, 2003) by using 500 plates containing saborodextrose-agar. According to the results, 89% of the plates proved to be positive for fungal growth. Of this pool of fungi plates, 1034 fungal colonies containing 16 different fungi were sorted out which in regard to the frequency were Penicillium, Rhizopus, Aspergillus flavus, yeast, and Alternaria respectively. Higher rate of fungi colonies was observed in Bahonar hospital comparing to the two others. The most contaminated settings were ICU wards in Bahonar and Shafa hospitals, respectively. Comparison of the common wards of Bahonar and Afzalipour hospitals, revealed that the emergency room in Bahonar hospital had the highest rate of contamination. Finally, among the isolated Aspergillus and fungi, Aspergillus flavus and yeast species showed the highest frequencies. Considering the results of the present study, control of fungal contamination in hospital wards, especially those in which patients with immunosuppressive deficiency are hospitalized is highly necessary.