Nosocomial Fungal Infection During Hospital Renovation

Abstract

Nosocomial fungal pulmonary infections (Zygomycetes, Aspergillus sp.) developed in two premature infants in a special care unit (SCU) adjacent to an area of renovation. Inspection showed that inadequate barriers permitted the passage of airborne particles between the two areas, and cultures confirmed a significantly higher (p≤0.05) density of mold spores in the SCU (0.88 cfu per hour per settling plate) compared to a construction-free comparison area (0.22 cfu per hour per settling plate). The major source of mold was the dust above the hospital's false ceiling. In another construction area, impervious barriers were shown to effectively restrict the dispersal of mold. Our experience adds Rhizopus to Aspergillus as a possible cause of construction-related nosocomial infection. Sporadic episodes will continue to occur until the hazards of renovation are appreciated and effective preventive measures are routinely instituted.

Nosocomial infections in intensive care and medical rehabilitation units, and evaluation of antibiotics prescription

“…Being opportunistic, these infections are not so common in immunocompetent patients (Krasinski et al, 1985;Loo et al, 1996;El-Ebiary et al, 1997) (Graffunder and Venezia, 2002;Inweregbu et al, 2005). Vancomycinresistant enteroccocus (VRE) and multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter species are also commonly associated bacterial species (National Nosocomial Infections Surveillance System, 2004).…”

Insights into the Evolution of the Mutational Resistome of Pseudomonas Aeruginosa in Cystic Fibrosis

“…Invasive aspergillosis cases are, indeed, often associated with hospital renovation or building work, which can increase the amount of airborne Aspergillus, resulting in respiratory infections or surgical site infections in high-risk patients. Although, Aspergillus species are the most common causative pathogens in fungaemia outbreaks related to construction work, Zygomycetes and other fungi were occasionally reported [77,78]. Outbreaks of primary cutaneous and central nervous system aspergillosis associated with the use of contaminated medical devices have also been described [78].…”

“…Although, Aspergillus species are the most common causative pathogens in fungaemia outbreaks related to construction work, Zygomycetes and other fungi were occasionally reported [77,78]. Outbreaks of primary cutaneous and central nervous system aspergillosis associated with the use of contaminated medical devices have also been described [78].…”

Early post-LASIK flap amputation in the treatment of aggressive, branching keratitis: a case report

“…It is well established in the literature that construction is a risk factor for aerosolized dissemination of spore-forming organisms including fungi (5)(6)(7)(8)(9) . Several cases and outbreaks of Aspergillus in association with hospital construction have been described, resulting in pulmonary aspergillosis in immunocompromised patients.…”

“…Several cases and outbreaks of Aspergillus in association with hospital construction have been described, resulting in pulmonary aspergillosis in immunocompromised patients. Primarily, A. flavus and A. fumigatus are the responsible organisms in these cases (6)(7)(8)(9) . A prior outbreak of Aspergillus endophthalmitis has been described in association with hospital construction (5) .…”