Analysis of microbiological monitoring quality in public places in Shenyang, China, 2018—2021

Objective To analyze microbiological monitoring quality in public places from 2018 to 2021 which could affect public health in Shenyang, China.

Methods According to the requirements of the Examination Method for Public Places (GB/T 18204.3-5-2013), microbial monitoring was conducted at 8 kinds of public places, including beauty parlours, hotels, bathing places, hair salons, swimming pools, fitness centers, waiting rooms and supermarkets. The test items were total bacterial colonies, total fungi, coliform, Staphylococcus aureus, Legionella pneumophila, heat-resistant coliform. The results were evaluated according to the Hygienic Indicators and Limits for Public Places (GB 37488-2019).

Results A total of 7 856 microbial samples were collected in 196 public places, with qualified rate of 95.93%. The qualified rates of total bacterial colonies and total fungi in indoor air were 89.87% and 93.30%, respectively. The qualified rates of colonies, fungi, coliform and staphylococcus aureus in public articles were 92.26%, 90.00%, 96.47% and 98.65%, respectively. In the public water, the qualified rates of Legionella pneumophila in the cooling water of the air conditioning cooling tower of hotels, the swimming pool water and the bath water were 100%, 90.28% and 83.33%, respectively.

Conclusion The qualified rate of supermarket shopping carts is low, which is the weak link in public health. It is suggested to improve disinfection of shopping carts, and strengthen supervision so as to ensure the safety of shopping.