Microbiological Quality of Air at Different Sections Within Spiritan University, Nneochi, Abia State

Airborne diseases have been described among debilitating ailments that are ravaging the health of mankind, especially individuals whose immune functions are deficient. Screening for the quality of air at different areas that humans frequently visit has been described as essential to achieving global health goals. This study was carried out to evaluate the microbiological quality of air at different confined environments at Spiritan University, Nneochi, Abia State. Microbial quality of air at different sections at the University was evaluated using passive method. Three prepared Petri dishes containing different selective media were exposed for 60 min at 10 selected areas. The microbial isolates were characterized based on their cultural, morphological, and biochemical features while fungal atlas facilitated fungal identification. The outcome of the air sampling revealed the presence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (6, 25.00%), Staphylococcus aureus (4, 16.67%), Escherichia coli (3, 12.50%), Streptococcus pneumoniae (3, 12.50%), Aspergillus fumigatus (5, 20.83%), and Aspergillus niger (3, 12.50%). The highest microbial load was observed at the University Clinic (83.33 CFU/m3 for bacteria/4.17 CFU/m3 for fungi) while the least was observed at the Senate Chamber and Canteen (25.00 CFU/m3 for bacteria/2.50 CFU/m3 for fungi). The microbial load in all the sections sampled was within small and medium as stipulated by the European Community Commission (ECC). This study has shown that different bacteria and fungi are found at different sections within Spiritan University, Nneochi, though the microbial load does not pose a threat to the inhabitants. Moreover, more research is needed in order to evaluate the pathogenic potential and susceptibility pattern of the bacterial and fungal isolates.