Efficacy of air sampler sartorious MD8 and settle plate method for quantitative estimation of air microorganisms

The main aim of the study was to identify pathogenic strains floating in the environment of Makkah city during Hajj 1424-H and to compare the efficacy of air filter device Sartorious MD8 to the traditional method called exposing settle plate method for the quantitative estimation of microorganisms. Air samples for identification of bacteria and fungi were taken from three different environments; outdoor, indoor, and microbiology department. Seven outdoor locations were selected; Muna, Arafat, Jamarat, slaughter areas, tunnels, grounds and toilet surrounding. For the in-door environment, the following clinical units of Hera General Hospital were selected; intensive care unit, nursery, emergency room, operation room, medical ward, and surgical ward, microbiology environment three places were selected microbiology departments of Hera General Hospital, Al-Noor Specialist Hospital, and Umm Al-Qura University. Mean bacterial and fungal colony count was calculated in each area by both methods. The four major potential human pathogens Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and Aspergillus fumigatus were isolated. Mean bacterial and fungal colony count was significantly found higher in air filter method. The air pier [MD8] was found more effective for monitoring the viable bacteria and fungi in hospital environment outdoor environment as compared to the exposing settle plate method