UJ research uncovers airborne resistant bacteria in Johannesburg healthcare facilities

Drug-resistant bacteria have been detected in the air of a Johannesburg clinic and in a public hospital’s neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), according to research by the University of Johannesburg (UJ), Joburg Etc reports.

The findings have raised concerns about potential infection risks for vulnerable patients, particularly newborn babies and people with weakened immune systems.

Researchers from UJ’s Water and Health Research Centre identified multidrug-resistant bacteria belonging to the ESKAPE group, which includes pathogens associated with serious healthcare-related infections.

In a study published in the journal Indoor Air, researchers collected air samples from 40 areas of an inner-city clinic during February and March 2025. The research findings indicated that all 77 Gram-negative bacterial isolates tested were resistant to multiple antibiotic classes. A further 52 of the 54 Gram-positive isolates (96.3%) also showed multidrug resistance.

Dr Lee Heine, the study’s lead author, raised concerns about the findings, particularly given South Africa’s high HIV and tuberculosis rates.

Newborns among vulnerable patients

A separate investigation at a public hospital in Johannesburg identified resistant ESKAPE bacteria in a neonatal intensive care unit. Researchers collected samples from incubators and handwashing facilities used by healthcare workers.

More than 85% of the ESKAPE bacteria identified in the neonatal unit were classified as multidrug-resistant.

The researchers explained that patients with weakened immune systems may face greater risks when exposed to antibiotic-resistant bacteria, as infections can become more difficult to treat.

UJ researchers have called for routine air-quality monitoring to form part of infection prevention and control measures at healthcare facilities.

The findings identify potential sources of exposure, although they do not establish that patients contracted infections from the bacteria detected.

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