Browsing by Author "Pimenta, Raquel Filipa Lourenço"
Now showing 1 - 1 of 1
Results Per Page
Sort Options
- Microbiological contamination assessment in higher education institutesPublication . Pimenta, Raquel Filipa Lourenço; Viegas, CarlaABSTRACT - In higher education institutes (HEI), microbiological contamination can impair indoor air quality (IAQ), affecting the health, performance, and productivity of the many occupants who spend a lot of time inside the building. The aim of this study was to assess fungi, bacteria, and the SARS-COV-2 virus in ten units of HEI. Azole resistance screening was also analyzed. Fungal and bacterial contamination on surfaces was characterized by culture-based methods. Air and surface samples were also used for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 and for the identification of Aspergillus section Fumigati by molecular tools. On surfaces, total bacterial contamination ranged from 1 x 103 to 3.1 x 106 CFU.m−2, while Gram-negative bacteria ranged between 0 to 1.9 x 104 CFU.m−2. The total fungal contamination on the surfaces ranged from 0 to 1.5 x 105 CFU.m−2 on malt extract agar (MEA) culture media, and from 0 to 1.8 × 105 CFU.m−2 on Dichloran glycerol agar (DG18) culture media. Cladosporium sp. was the most prevalent fungal species found. Aspergillus sections were identified on MEA and DG18, being the only section Nigri observed in one supplemented media used for the azole screening. Aspergillus section Fumigati was not detected on air samples, whereas it was on two surface samples. The presence of SARS-CoV-2 was not detected. In conclusion, although cleaning and disinfection procedures are done regularly due to the COVID-19 pandemic, being effective in eliminating SARS-CoV-2, the surfaces were often contaminated with fungi and bacteria.