DOI: https://doi.org/10.36719/2789-6919/45/195-199
Gumru Balakhanova
Azerbaijan State Pedagogical University
PhD in Biology
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1709-1442
19_bq_91@mail.ru
Ecological and Taxonomic Diversity of Micromycetes in Hospital Environments
Abstract
This study aims to systematically characterize the taxonomic composition, ecological distribution, and sanitary‑ecological significance of micromycetes (microscopic fungi) colonizing the indoor environments of healthcare facilities with diverse functional profiles in Baku city. Air and surface samples were collected from wards, operating rooms, intensive care units, laboratories, and reception areas, inoculated onto Sabouraud agar, and incubated. Subsequent morphological and microscopic analyses identified key genera, including Aspergillus, Penicillium, Cladosporium, Alternaria, and Fusarium.
The results demonstrated that fungal colony density was the lowest in zones approaching sterile conditions and the highest in reception areas with intensive patient throughput. Ecological diversity was quantified using the Shannon–Wiener index, while species dominance patterns were evaluated via the Dominance index. The statistical significance of inter‑zonal diversity differences was confirmed by one‑way ANOVA (p < 0.05). Additionally, in vitro antifungal susceptibility tests revealed that certain isolates—particularly Aspergillus niger and Penicillium chrysogenum—exhibited high-level resistance to ketoconazole and fluconazole, indicating microbial adaptation within the hospital milieu.
This investigation constitutes the first systematic study in Azerbaijan to explore the bioindicator potential of hospital micromycete flora and its impact on sanitary‑microbiological conditions. The findings furnish a scientific basis for optimizing infection control and disinfection protocols, as well as for establishing a framework for ongoing ecological monitoring of hospital indoor environments.
Keywords: Micromycetes, hospital environment, ecological diversity, bioindicator, airborne microflora, sanitary microbiology, indoor environment