Abstract

MENDEZ-PUENTES, Carlos A; CAMACHO-SUAREZ, Juan G  and  ECHEVERRY-HERNANDEZ, Sonia. Identification of bacteria and fungi in the air of Neiva, Colombia. Rev. salud pública [online]. 2015, vol.17, n.5, pp.728-737. ISSN 0124-0064.  https://doi.org/10.15446/rsap.v17n5.38468.

Objective To isolate and identify microorganisms (bacteria and fungi) present in the air in the city of Neiva between the dry and rainy seasons of 2012. Materials and Methods Two methods were used for sample collection: sedimentation plates and the bio-impactor Millipore M Air T in which the following culture media were dispensed: agar tripticase soy (ATS) for bacteria growth, and agar gentamicin-glucose-yeast extract for fungi growth. The dyes employed included Gram stain and lactophenol blue stain. When necessary 10 % KOH was also used. Results According to the frequencies of occurrence, Aspergillus spp. and Gram-positive bacilli were the predominant microorganisms in the different sampling areas. The genus Aureobasidium sp. and Gram-negative bacilli showed occasional, and rare occurrence frequency since they are not considered to be air-born microorganisms. Conclusions The microbial load was higher in the dry season than in the rainy season, appearing more fungal bacterial growth in both seasons of the year. With the use of the Bio-impactor, increased growth of both bacteria and fungi could be observed as compared to the sedimentation plate method.

Keywords : Bacteria; fungi; sedimentation; air quality.

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