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KMID : 0364820070430030193
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Korean Journal of Microbiology
2007 Volume.43 No. 3 p.193 ~ p.200
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Isolation and Characterization of Airborne Bacteria and Fungi in Indoor Environment of Elementary Schools
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Kim Na-Yeong
Kim Young-Ran
Kim Min-Kyu
Cho Du-Wan
Kim Jong-Seol
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Abstract
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Indoor airborne bacterial and fungal concentrations were examined at classrooms and corridors of 3 elementary schools in Ulsan. Airborne microorganisms were collected with an impaction-type air sampler using plate count agar and dichloran rose bengal chloramphenicol agar. During the semester, concentrations of bacteria ranged 168~3,887 MPN/m3 at classrooms and 168~6,339 MPN/m3 at corridors, while those of fungi ranged 34~389 MPN/m3 at classrooms and 91~507 MPN/m3 at corridors. The bacterial concentrations showed larger variations between situations and schools compared to those of fungi. When airborne bacteria were isolated and identified, 84% were observed as Gram-positive, and Micrococcus spp. was the most abundant group with 61% of tested isolates, followed by genus Staphylococcus with 10%. The Micrococcus spp. isolates, of which 75% were identified as M. luteus, appeared to be from human origins. The protective pigments and substantial cell wall of Micrococcus may provide selective advantage for their survival in the air. We also isolated and identified 15 genera of filamentous fungi. The most common culturable fungi were Cladosporium, Aspergillus and Penicillium, and these 3 genera were 69% of fungal isolates. Genus Stachybotrys, of which S. chartarum is a well known producer of many potent mycotoxins, was also detected from one of the schools. Further systematic
studies are necessary with an emphasis on species identification and mycotoxin production of isolated fungal genera, including Aspergillus, Penicillium, and Stachybotrys.
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KEYWORD
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airborne bacteria, airborne fungi, elementary school, indoor air
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