Mold contamination in a controlled hospital environment: a 3-year surveillance in southern Italy

Abstract

BackgroundEnvironmental monitoring of airborne filamentous fungi is necessary to reduce fungal concentrations in operating theaters and in controlled environments, and to prevent infections. The present study reports results of a surveillance of filamentous fungi carried out on samples from air and surfaces in operating theaters and controlled environments in an Italian university hospital.MethodsSampling was performed between January 2010 and December 2012 in 32 operating theaters and five departments with high-risk patients. Indoor air specimens were sampled using a microbiological air sampler; Rodac contact plates were used for surface sampling. Fungal isolates were identified at the level of genera and species.ResultsSixty-one samples (61/465; 13.1%) were positive for molds, with 18 from controlled environments (18/81; 22.2%) and 43 (43/384; 11.2%) from operating theaters. The highest air fungal load (AFL, colony-forming units per cubic meter [CFU/m3]) was recorded in the ophthalmology operating theater, while the pediatric onco-hematology ward had the highest AFL among the wards (47 CFU/m3). The most common fungi identified from culture of air specimens were Aspergillus spp. (91.8%), Penicillium spp., (6%) and Paecilomyces spp. (1.5%). During the study period, a statistically significant increase in CFU over time was recorded in air-controlled environments (p = 0.043), while the increase in AFL in operating theaters was not statistically significant (p = 0.145). Molds were found in 29.1% of samples obtained from surfaces. Aspergillus fumigatus was the most commonly isolated (68.5%).ConclusionsOur findings will form the basis for action aimed at improving the air and surface quality of these special wards. The lack of any genetic analysis prevented any correlation of fungal environmental contamination with onset of fungal infection, an analysis that will be undertaken in a prospective study in patients admitted to the same hospital.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12879-014-0595-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Microorganisms Isolated from Hospital Environmental Surfaces in Akure Metropolis, Ondo State, Nigeria

“…The occurrence of bacteria in hospitals has been commonly related to some possible sources of dissemination: bottle soap [18], hands of healthcare professionals [19], gloves and gowns [20], mobile phones [21] paper money and coins [22]. Aspergillus fumigatus was found to be predominant fungi with frequency occurrence of 36.84%, this correlate with the report of Cagginao et al [23] who reported that Aspergillus fumigatus was the most commonly isolated [68.5%].…”

Airborne fungi in an intensive care unit

“…Studies conducted by Shams-Ghahfarokhi et al (2014), Caggiano et al (2014) andChang et al (2014) confirmed that the environmental monitoring of airborne filamentous fungi is necessary to reduce fungal concentrations in operating theaters and in controlled environments, to prevent infections. According to Chang et al (2014), in the tentative to reduce the environmental contamination by fungi, recommended that a standardized protocol for the sampling collection and culture is necessary in hospital institutions to verify the air quality.…”

“…There are several reports in hospitalized patients affected by mycoses caused by airborne filamentous fungi present in the environment (Peckham et al, 2016;Caggiano et al, 2014;Shams-Ghahfarokhi et al, 2014), meanwhile in Brazil, few studies (Flores and Onofre, 2010;Lobato et al, 2009;Carmo et al, 2007;Martins-Diniz et al, 2005) characterizing the airborne fungi microbiota in the ICUsʼ environment, being an important knowledge for control strategies. The aim of this study was the isolation and identification of airborne fungi in an ICU from the University Hospital of Pelotas (RS -Brazil).…”

Effects of indoor environmental parameters related to building heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems on patients' medical outcomes: A review of scientific research on hospital buildings

“…High humidity levels support microbial growth due to moisture absorption by building materials . Pathogenic microorganisms can adhere quickly to moist and slick or damaged walls and ceilings which can affect patient and staff well‐being …”