Fungal diversity and Aspergillus in hospital environments

Abstract

Introduction and objective. Nosocomial invasive fungal infections, particularly aspergillosis, are an increasing problem in immunocompromised patients. The presented study evaluates fungal diversity and the presence of Aspergillus in air samples from two hospitals. Materials and methods. Over the course of one year (rainy and dry seasons), the air was sampled from three areas in two hospitals (1 and 2) using a single-stage Andersen viable particle sampler (Thermo Scientific, Waltham, MA, USA). The fungi were identified by macro-and micromorphology, and the number of colony forming units (CFU)/m 3 air and their richness, abundance, and diversity were determined. Isolates Aspergillus genus were characterized by their thermotolerance. Results. The CFU/m 3 air was similar at both hospitals during the two seasons, but different between the sampled areas. Results showed 10 fungal genera for hospital 1, and 8 for hospital 2. The most abundant were Penicillium, Cladosporium and Aspergillus. The thermotolerance test confirmed the identification of A. fumigatus section Fumigati. The highest growth rate was found in Aspergillus section Nigri. Conclusion. Determining the fungal diversity in the two hospitals was important because all the species have the potential to be pathogenic, especially the section Fumigati.

Profiles of Environmental Mold: Indoor and Outdoor Air Sampling in a Hematology Hospital in Seoul, South Korea

“…The semi-open nature of the lobby can hinder the performance of the HVAC system, which might affect its efficiency. A relatively higher fungal count (85.9 CFU/m 3 ) was reported in a Mexican hospital study [ 9 ]. However, according to the majority of previous studies, fungal exposure in a hospital environment equipped with a HEPA filter, such as a hematology unit, might be lower than that in HEPA-lacking environments (<5 CFU/m 3 ) [ 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 ].…”

“…The density of environmental microorganisms in the air is known to be decrease in the following order: outside > lobby > general wards (GW) > intensive care units, operating room, and isolated room with specific-purposes [ 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 ]. According to several previous studies, fungal concentrations in specialized hospital environments (i.e., hematology unit with cleanroom) equipped with high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters are usually lower (<5 colony-forming units, CFU/m 3 ) than in unequipped environments [ 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 ].…”

“…According to several previous studies, fungal concentrations in specialized hospital environments (i.e., hematology unit with cleanroom) equipped with high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters are usually lower (<5 colony-forming units, CFU/m 3 ) than in unequipped environments [ 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 ]. However, moderate fungal exposure has been demonstrated even in a qualified hospital associated with hospital remodeling [ 9 , 11 ]. In addition, a recent study of fungal concentrations in six hospital lobbies in Korea revealed a geometric mean (GM) fungal concentration of 77 CFU/m 3 , even in an environment equipped with ‘heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC)” system [ 10 ].…”

Qualitative and Quantitative Assessment of Airborne Fungal Spores in the Hospitals Environment of Ahvaz City (2016)

“…and Acremonium spp. (1,3,4). Yeast isolates have also been found that belong to the genus of Candida, Trichosporon, Rhodotorula, Saccharomyces, and Cryptococcus (1,(5)(6)(7).…”

“…The most common fungal infections with life-threatening complications are aspergillosis and mucormycosis (4,8). The healthcare features such as overcrowding, unsuitable design, and poor ventilation can impact the growth and proliferation of fungi in building materials, food, pipe leak, bedding, topical anaesthetic, dust, paint, etc., which is harmful to human and animal health (9).…”