Background: Fungi are ubiquitous microorganisms that are easily dispersed through the air. In healthcare environments, indoor air can favor the spread of healthcare-associated fungal infections, compromising mainly immunocompromised hospitalized individuals. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the indoor air contamination in healthcare environments, investigating mainly the presence of potentially pathogenic yeasts. Methods: Indoor air samples were collected from twelve healthcare environments (hospital and medical clinics). After the growth, isolation, and purification of the yeast colonies, the isolates were identified by polymerase chain reaction using species-specific primers for yeasts of the genus Candida and sequencing of D1/D2 domains of the large ribosomal subunit (LSU rRNA). Results: Fourteen yeast species were identified, including emerging pathogens. Species of clinical importance such as Candida parapsilosis, Candida orthopsilosis, Candida glabrata, Rhodotorula mucilaginosa, and Trichosporon mucoides were present. C. Parapsilosis was the most prevalent species, followed by Rodothorula mucilaginosa. Conclusions: The present study shows that potentially fungal pathogens were present in air samples from healthcare environments, proving the role of indoor air in spreading infections. Thus, monitoring air quality in healthcare environments is a fundamental approach in developing infection control measures, especially those related to invasive fungal infections.
Monitoring the microbiological quality of indoor air in hospital environments is a matter of comprehensive discussion due to its influence on the transmission and spread of pathogenic microorganisms. Among the artificially air-conditioned environments, hospitals are noteworthy for being specific places for the treatment and recovery of patients. In addition to problems related to patients health and professionals health, immunocompromised patients are more exposed to microorganisms present in the air currents of the refrigeration system in these environments, which can lead to consequences such as the occurrence of outbreaks. The objective of this work was to evaluate the indoor air quality in critical hospital environments of a teaching hospital in the city of Maceió, the state of Alagoas. In addition, we sought to identify the anemophilous fungal microbiota present. Air collections were taken in the rainy season, totaling, following recommendations indicated by Resolution No. 9 of the Brazilian National Health Surveillance Agency. The study was based on determining the concentration parameter of bioaerosols in indoor and outdoor air. The fungal microbiota identification was carried out by analyzing macro and microscopic characteristics for filamentous fungi and the use of molecular tools for yeasts. The most frequent species in hospital critical environments were Cladosporium cladosporioides, Penicillium piceum, Penicillium aurantiogriseum, Cladosporium herbarum and Aspergillus oryzae. In outdoor air, the most frequently found fungi were Penicillium sp., Aspergillus sp., and Cladosporium species. Candida tropicalis, C. krusei, and C. parapsilosis were identified among the yeasts in indoor and outdoor air samples. Identifying potentially pathogenic fungi in the evaluated environments points to the need for continuous monitoring of indoor air quality. Furthermore, to avoid the widespread fungal pathogens and the consequent occurrence of outbreaks, the adoption of indoor air microbiological quality analysis programs is suggested as an essential tool in developing infection control standards. In our study, airborne fungi are reported as indoor air contaminants in critical hospital environments. This finding is noteworthy because, in general, individuals present in these environments have an immunological impairment.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
hi@scite.ai
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.