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Transmission of Trichosporon asahii oesophagitis by a contaminated endoscope

C Lo Passo1, I Pernice, A Celeste

  • 1Institute of Microbiology, University of Messina School of Science, salita Sperone, 31, 98166 Messina, Italy. clopasso@scirocco.unime.it

Mycoses
|June 12, 2001
PubMed

Insights

This study investigated two cases of esophageal trichosporonosis, a fungal infection. Molecular analysis confirmed endoscopic forceps transmitted the infection between patients, highlighting a potential nosocomial risk.

Area of Science:

  • Mycology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Esophageal trichosporonosis is a rare fungal infection.
  • Nosocomial infections can arise from medical procedures.
  • Immunocompetent individuals can also be susceptible.

Observation:

  • Two immunocompetent patients developed esophageal trichosporonosis after undergoing endoscopic examinations on the same day.
  • Trichosporon strains were isolated from patient biopsies, endoscopic forceps, and the endoscopy room air.
  • Initial morphological and physiological analysis did not confirm the suspected nosocomial transmission route.

Findings:

  • Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis revealed molecular identity among three Trichosporon strains.
  • Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphisms (RFLPs) of the ribosomal DNA (rDNA) fragment were also analyzed.
  • Genetic similarities supported the hypothesis of transmission from the first patient to the second via endoscopic forceps.

Implications:

  • Endoscopic procedures carry a risk of transmitting fungal pathogens like Trichosporon.
  • Sterilization protocols for endoscopic equipment are critical in preventing nosocomial infections.
  • Molecular typing methods are essential for tracing infection sources and confirming transmission routes.

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