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Manager, ILO-WHO Human Environment Project, Ministry of Health, Kuwait

AND Department of Botany, University of Kuwait

Abstract.

A preliminary survey of bacterial contamination in the air of four Kuwait! A hospitals operating theatre was conducted in May and June 1972. Samples were also taken in theatre corridors and outdoors. The study showed high concentrations of total and haemolytic bacteria both before and after operation days. Concentrations reached up to 16 times those found outdoors. Swabs taken before operations, from sinks, floors, walls and tables in surveyed operating theatres showed heavy growth of bacteria. Streptomycin was the most effective antibiotic on both the gram-negative bacilli and the coagulase-positive staphylococci. Streptomycin was as effective on gram-negative bacilli. Some recommendations are suggested including the necessity for conducting a detailed study of bacterial contamination in all sections of Kuwaiti hospitals.