Microbiological Quality of Indoor Air at the San Sebastián Market - Cajamarca, 2025

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to evaluate the microbiological quality of indoor air in the San Sebastian Market, a closed environment of relevance to public health, located in the city and department of Cajamarca. Currently, there are few local studies of this type, despite the fact that they are of great value for understanding public health risks and disease prevention in hightraffic enclosed spaces. For this reason, the present study evaluated the microbiological quality of indoor air in the San Sebastian Market in Cajamarca, a highly frequented space. The CFU results revealed a non-homogeneous microbial load, with the Fish area (P3) recording the highest average (129.0 CFU), followed by Vegetables (P4) (104.5 CFU), while Food (P2) showed the lowest value (34.5 CFU), data that suggest that microbial concentration depends on zonal conditions such as product type, humidity, and ventilation, favouring proliferation in areas where fresh or wet foods are handled. Bacterial identification showed the recurrent presence of Staphylococcus and Micrococcus sp. In handling areas (P1-P4), associated with perishable products and microenvironmental conditions. The Entrance and Exit areas (P5P6) revealed a more varied composition, including Streptococcus spp., Pseudomonas spp., Legionella pneumophila, and Corynebacterium, indicating environmental and transit contamination. For fungi, Penicillium spp., Aspergillus niger, Cladosporium herbarum, and Candida sp. were recurrent, especially in handling areas.