Impact of fumigation on Microbial Contamination in Pediatric Intensive Care Unit Equipment: A Comparative Culture-Based Study at Bangladesh Shishu Hospital & Institute

Abstract

Background: Environmental contamination in critical care settings poses significant risk for healthcare-associated infections (HAIs).

Objective: This study was conducted to observe the effectiveness of fumigation in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) of Bangladesh Shishu Hospital and Institute (BSHI), Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Methodology: This pre–post observational study was conducted in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) of Bangladesh Shishu Hospital and Institute (BSHI), Dhaka, Bangladesh, from January to June 2025. Swab samples were collected from 8 high-touch items within the PICU before fumigation (19/06/2025) and from 12 items after fumigation (22/06/2025). All samples were incubated at 37°C overnight, and culture results were reported by BSHI Microbiology Department. The culture media supported the growth of a wide range of bacterial and fungal species. Outcomes were classified based on presence or absence of microbial growth and species identification. Reduction in positive cultures and pathogenic diversity were used to evaluate fumigation efficacy.

Results: Pre-Fumigation Findings, Out of 8 items tested: 87.5% (7/8) showed positive microbial growth. Notable organisms: Staphylococcus sp., Pseudomonas sp., Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter sp., Bacillus sp., fungi. Multiple organisms were isolated from beds, incubators, and ambu bags.Post-Fumigation Findings, Out of 12 items tested: 50% (6/12) showed no growth.Remaining positive cultures revealed Bacillus sp., Staphylococcus sp., Streptococcus sp.High-touch items like beds and incubators still harbored pathogens, albeit fewer in number.

Conclusion: Fumigation in the PICU of Bangladesh Shishu Hospital and Institute significantly reduced environmental microbial contamination, decreasing the proportion of positive cultures and eliminating several clinically important pathogens, although persistent growth on some high-touch surfaces indicates the need for ongoing infection prevention and environmental cleaning measures.

Journal of Monno Medical College December, 2025;11(2):127-131