COMPARATIVE MICROBIAL ASSAY IN RELATION TO SEASONAL VARIATION IN SELECTED CLINICAL LABORATORIES IN ZARIA

Shiaka, G.P., Yakubu, S.E. and Olonitola, O.S

Department of Microbiology

Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria

email: petergs10@yahoo.com

ABSTRACT

Microbial contaminants of the indoor environment of two clinical microbiology laboratories of a private (Lab A) and a government (Lab B) owned hospitals in Zaria were investigated within the dry season: January and March, and wet season: July and September in the year 2007. The highest and lowest bacterial concentration were obtained in the 4^th week 16.0×10³cfu/ml in lab A and 0.09 x 10³cfu/ml in the 1^st week of sampling in wet season in the same laboratory. The fungal count was highest in Lab B: 4.0×10³cfu/ml and lowest: 0.09×10³cfu/ml in the fifth week of sampling in dry season. The bacterial mean concentration was highest in Lab B: 7.70 x 10³cfu/ml in dry season and lowest in wet season in lab A: 2.61 x10³cfu/ml. The fungal mean concentration in Lab A was the highest while the lowest was found in Lab B: 1.06×10³cfu/ml. there was a significant correlation between fungal counts in Lab A’s dry and wet season at 0.05 using pearson correlation (2-tailed) and also between fungal counts in wet season of lab B. However, no significant correlation in bacterial counts.The level of microbial concentration in this study is moderate but can be potentially allergic or infectious. This is a further justification for safety practices in clinical laboratories irrespective of seasons.

Keywords: Airborne, Bacteria, Concentration, Fungi and Laboratory.