title: Microbiological environmental monitoring in high-risk departments during building activities in a hospital site.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  This study examines the microbial and fungal contamination associated with the presence of renovation works in a hospital site in Sardinia (Italy).
  
  
  METHODS
  Microbiological environmental monitoring was carried out before, during and at the conclusion of the works in the Ophthalmology Department in view of a risk assessment procedure.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Although the median values of microbial and fungal counts were found raised during the works, protective measures set out by the internal procedures limited the contamination level.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study emphasizes the benefits of environmental surveillance for airborne contamination to help prevent outbreaks of nosocomial mycosis associated with construction work.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Coroneo
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Marras
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Desogus
authors.affiliation: Local Health Unit No. 8 Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.
authors.forename: M T
authors.initials: MT
authors.lastname: Orano
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.
authors.forename: M E
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: Cocco
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Schintu
mesh_terms: D000391:Air Microbiology; D003428:Cross Infection; D004784:Environmental Monitoring; D006761:Hospitals; D006801:Humans; D007558:Italy; D009181:Mycoses
keywords: Building constructions; Environmental control; Hospital-acquired infections; Microorganisms; Risk assessment