Penicillium was also identified in the TB ward. This genus is found in the soil, air, dust and on salted food products such as cheese, meat, seeds, bread, fruits, etc. causing food spoilage [40, 44, 45]. The presence of Penicillium

in the TB ward is concerning as inhalation can lead to hypersensitivity pneumonitis, CB-839 nmr asthma, and allergic alveolitis in susceptible individuals [44]. Results obtained show a need for constant air monitoring as well as identifying the source of this fungus as it has serious health implications in this ward. Follow up studies shall be conducted to confirm the survival of these fungi in the TB ward at this hospital as it has a UV irradiation system. Phoma exigua, commonly found in soil, was identified in the diabetic

female ward as a predominant organism [46, 47]. Infection by Phoma exigua causes phaeomycotic cysts especially to vulnerable patients, leading to symptoms such as fever, painful joints, and tumors. Previous studies have reported the presence of this fungus in a diabetic ward [48]. Results from the current study and other studies indicate that diabetic patients may be the source of this organism as it was isolated in the diabetic ward only. No attempts AG-120 molecular weight were made in the current study to verify this claim since it was the first time air sampling was conducted. However, due to the significance of their impact air samples will be correlated with clinical

samples in future studies. Conclusions This is a first report on the presence of bio-aerosols at a district hospital in South Africa. Even though this government hospital is old (built in 1892) selleck inhibitor microbial counts obtained in this study were generally low when correlated with other results obtained by Qudiesat et al. [19] and Nkhebenyane [5]. Higher counts were observed during passive sampling when compared with active sampling an indication that microbial contaminants may settle on hospital surfaces possibly resulting in acquired infections. Erlotinib ic50 However, because a preliminary walk through was not conducted prior sampling, factors that affected bio-aerosol recovery were not investigated and this will be considered in future studies. Observations made during sampling rounds found that, floors, walls, painted surfaces and ceilings were not free from visible dust, soot, holes and cracks. This was of concern as it could lead to an increase in microbial contaminants. Lack of limitations on the time duration of visits at this hospital may also increase the proliferation of airborne contaminants.