INTRODUCTION:
Nosocomial infections (Hospital Acquired Infections) are a significant concern in Free State health establishments (HE). They affect a number of patients, which leads to serious health complications. In particular, children, the elderly and immunocompromised individuals are the most susceptible. Indeed, hospital surface environments can serve as reservoirs for diverse microbial communities that pose a risk to susceptible patients. Consequently, there is a need to monitor the distribution and prevalence of bacterial and fungal isolates around the hospital surfaces of concern. Herein, we investigated the distribution and prevalence of bacterial and fungal isolates collected within the surface areas of concern at Bongani Regional Hospital.

AIM:
The aim of the study was to identify the predominant microbial species associated with infections in order to guide effective infection control and antimicrobial stewardship intervention programs. Study Design Samples were aseptically collected from various hospital departments including wards, intensive care units and outpatient services using a sterile swab. Each sample was processed using standard microbiological techniques for isolation and identification.

RESULTS:
A total of 14 bacterial and 3 fungal isolates were obtained from various locations within the hospital. The most abundant bacterial species were Comamonadaceae, while the predominant fungal isolates were Cladosporium. The distribution of isolates varied according to specimen type, with higher bacterial loads observed in samples collected in Martenity ward. On the other hand, fungal isolates were mainly detected in Main Kitchen and ICU.

CONCLUSIONS:
The findings highlight the persistence of opportunistic pathogens within the Bongani Regional Hospital environment and highlight the need for continuous surveillance, effective hygiene protocols and targeted antimicrobial therapy to mitigate hospital-acquired infections.