Distribution characteristics and analysis of fungal aerosol concentration and particle size in air-conditioned wards in Wuhan, China.

Abstract

Fungal contamination in the air of hospital wards can affect the health of medical staff, patients, and caregivers. Through systematic analysis of the concentration, types, and particle size distribution characteristics of fungi in the air of wards in Wuhan, China, in 2023, it was found that there was no significant correlation between the concentration of fungi in the air of wards and the disease type and personnel density. The main influencing factors were temperature, humidity, and seasonal changes. The distribution characteristics of fungal particle size in the wards of various departments in winter and summer showed a roughly normal distribution, with the percentage of particle size gradually increasing from stage I to stage III. The proportion from stage III to stage V was generally the highest, while the proportion from stage V to stage VI gradually decreased. There was no significant difference in the median diameter of airborne fungal conidia between different departments in winter and summer, and the median diameter of fungal conidia was less than 3.19 μm. The dominant fungal genus in the wards during winter and summer were basically the same, and there was no significant difference compared to wards in other inpatient buildings. The current study indicates that more attentions should be paid to the increasing of filtration efficiency of fungal conidia particle sized from 1.1~4.7 μm, and appropriate antifungal and sterilization drugs, equipments and methods should be selected in the maintenance of daily hygiene, including the operation and management of the air conditioning systems in the inpatient wards.