Method of isolating conditionally-pathogenic Gram-negative microorganisms, agents of intrahospital infections, from air

The possibility of detecting Pseudomonas aeruginosa and other Gram-negative bacteria in the air of the burn department at the Institute of Surgery was studied. The investigation of large volumes of air (0.5-1 m3) in the wards and the corridor with the use of a new bacteriological aerosol sampler, model IIAB-5, resulted in the detection of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Besides, in a number of other rooms Klebsiella, Proteus, Citrobacter and Enterobacter were detected in the air. The possibility of the spread of Gram-negative opportunistic bacteria through the air in hospital conditions is discussed.