Isolation and Identification of Air Microflora from Microbiology Laboratory of Adamawa State University Mubi, Nigeria

This study investigated the isolation and identification of airborne microflora in the microbiology laboratories of Adamawa State University, Mubi, Nigeria, using the settle plate method. Air samples were exposed on nutrient agar and Sabouraud dextrose agar plates at intervals of 30, 60, and 90 minutes, followed by incubation, colony counting, and microbial characterization through morphological, microscopic, and biochemical techniques. Results showed a progressive increase in both bacterial and fungal loads with longer exposure times, with the highest counts recorded at 90 minutes. Six bacterial species were identified: Streptococcus spp., Bacillus spp., Pseudomonas spp., Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus spp., and Micrococcus spp., of which Bacillus spp. and Staphylococcus spp. were the most prevalent (22.2% each). Five fungal species were also isolated, including Penicilliumchrysogenum, Aspergillusniger, Fusarium spp., Rhizopus spp., and Aspergillusflavus, with Aspergillus species predominating (53.4%). The findings highlight that microbiology laboratories harbor diverse airborne microorganisms, some of which are opportunistic pathogens that pose risks of contamination and laboratory-acquired infections. This underscores the importance of strict biosafety practices, regular air quality monitoring, and effective environmental control measures to ensure research integrity and safeguard laboratory personnel.