PREVALENCE OF AIRBORNE MICROBIAL CONTAMINATION IN CRITICAL AREAS OF RAILWAY GENERAL HOSPITAL

Introduction: Nosocomial infections represent a persistent and formidable crisis within global healthcare systems. Among various vectors of transmission, the atmospheric environment of specialized clinical zones specifically surgical suites, intensive care units (ICUs), and neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) presents a heightened vulnerability to microbial colonization. Airborne bio aerosols and particulate matter can easily become vectors for pathogens, propelled by routine clinical traffic, diagnostic machinery, ventilation dynamics, and daily healthcare operations. When left unchecked, these suspended microorganisms facilitate cross-contamination, driving up the incidence of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). Objective: To evaluate microbial contamination of air in critical areas of hospital and to determine the distribution patterns of airborne microbial contamination in intensive care units and operation theaters. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out at Railway General Hospital, Rawalpindi, using a convenience sampling technique. The study was conducted in six critical hospital areas: Gynecology Operation Theatre (OT), Eye OT, Orthopedic OT, General Surgical OT, Intensive Care Unit (ICU), and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). A total of 42 air samples were collected using the passive settle plate method. Blood agar and CLED agar plates were exposed in each selected area for 20 minutes to allow airborne microorganisms to settle naturally. Following sample collection, the culture plates were incubated at 37°C for 24 hours. Colony-forming units (CFUs) were counted manually, and bacterial isolates were identified through Gram staining, colony morphology, microscopic examination, and biochemical tests, including catalase, coagulase, oxidase, citrate utilization, Triple Sugar Iron (TSI), and indole tests. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS version 25. Result: The study illustrated a significant prevalence of airborne microbial contamination in both operation theatres and intensive care units. The microbial profile of the study reveals the variety of microbial contamination in varying departments. The study highlights a high microbial load in Orthopedics OT (54%), while Eye O T (11.24%) exhibited the lowest contamination. The most prevalent bacteria in Operation Theatres was Bacillus (19%), whereas ICUs showed predominant isolates of Staphylococcus aureus (12%). NICU relatively showed a lower contamination level, with Bacillus (100%) being the dominant isolate detected. The findings indicated noticeable variations in microbial load among different hospital departments. Conclusion: Our study shows that critical units of hospital are important contributors of Hospital Acquired Infections. The prevalence of microbes and pathogens demonstrated the need for advanced infectious control measures, systematic sterilization, improved ventilation systems, environmental sanitation, and strict adherence to aseptic measures. Regular microbial surveillance in critical areas of hospital air is crucial to limit microbial contamination, better environmental health, and to ensure the safety of patients and healthcare workers.