A bacteriological study of the environment of pediatric ward and neonatal nursery.

ABSTRACT

The hospital environment is full of pathogens which may cause nosocomial infections. A bacteriological survey of hospital air, floor, water, milk and fomites was done. The air survey showed large number of bacteria carrying particles in air. A direct relation between floor area per person and bacterial contamination of air was established. The floor survey showed that there is abundance of bacteria on the hospital floors, much more than the accepted fair standards of house keeping. The hospital water had a high coliform and total bacterial count and stored tank water was more dirty. Neonatal nursery milk also had high total bacterial and coliform counts. Regular surveillance of hospital environment may help to reduce the incidence of cross infection.