Scientific publications
Merveille De-Dieu Kapou
Jean Samuel Eheth
Marie-Cecile Nkoumou Ambassa
Hom-Toro Christelle Sharon Pedene
Blaise Pascal Bougnom
Journal of Medical Science Biology and Chemistry
Health-care associated infections (HAIs) is still one of the most prevalent concerns within the maternity wards, but little is known about the prevalence of airborne microorganisms in sub-Saharan Africa. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the microbiological characteristics of the indoor air, the distribution of airborne bacteria and fungi, and their antimicrobial resistance pattern in four maternity hospitals and eight different wards in Yaoundé, Cameroon. A cross-sectional study was conducted from February to April 2023. Indoor air sampling was done by the sedimentation technique. Bacteria and fungi isolated were subjected to standard biochemical tests. The antimicrobial resistance testing to six antibiotics prescribed was carried out using the agar dilution method. Microbial growth was recorded in 76.8% of the sampled wards. Airborne microbial load varied from 2.00 ± 2.00 CFU in neonatal wards to 51.87 ± 29.36 CFU in the communal toilets. 196 isolates were obtained, consisting of 159 bacteria and 37 fungi. Predominant isolates were Gram-positive cocci (79.25%); Staphylococcus aureus constituted 43.88%. Non-fermentative Gram-negative bacilli, mostly Pseudomonas spp. accounted for 10.06% of the bacterial isolates. Moulds Aspergillus, Fusarium, Penicillium and Bipolaris were the prevalent fungi (43.24%). The highest resistance rate was noted in amoxicillin-clavulanic acid (32.6%), amoxicillin (21.7%) and metronidazole (20.9%). Drug-resistant bacteria occurred in all studied wards, with Saint-Thérèse Hospital being the one with the largest number of resistant isolates. These findings underscore the need for routine airborne monitoring, improved ventilation, and antimicrobial stewardship in Cameroonian maternity settings.
