Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 30, 2026

Following in Real Time the Impact of Pneumococcal Virulence Factors in an Acute Mouse Pneumonia Model Using Bioluminescent Bacteria
11:32

Following in Real Time the Impact of Pneumococcal Virulence Factors in an Acute Mouse Pneumonia Model Using Bioluminescent Bacteria

Published on: February 23, 2014

Airborne outbreak of nosocomial Scedosporium prolificans infection

A Guerrero, P Torres, M T Duran

    Lancet (London, England)
    |June 22, 2001
    PubMed

    Insights

    Multidrug-resistant Scedosporium prolificans caused fatal infections in six leukemia patients. Aerial transmission was confirmed, and infection control measures prevented further cases.

    Area of Science:

    • Medical Mycology
    • Infectious Diseases
    • Epidemiology

    Background:

    • Six immunocompromised patients with acute non-lymphocytic leukemia developed invasive infections.
    • The infections were caused by Scedosporium prolificans, a fungus resistant to multiple antifungal agents.

    Discussion:

    • Phenotypic and genotypic analyses identified a single strain responsible for the outbreak.
    • The fungus was detected in clinical samples and ambient air within isolation rooms.

    Key Insights:

    • Invasive Scedosporium prolificans infections can be multidrug-resistant and fatal in leukemia patients.
    • Aerial transmission of the fungus was implicated in the outbreak.
    • Effective infection control measures, including aerial control, are crucial for prevention.

    Outlook:

    • Further research into the environmental persistence and transmission of Scedosporium prolificans is warranted.
    • Development of novel antifungal therapies may be necessary for treating resistant strains.
    • Strengthening hospital infection control protocols can mitigate the risk of similar outbreaks.

    More Related Videos

    Microbiological Rapid On-Site Evaluation for Pulmonary Infectious Diseases03:22

    Microbiological Rapid On-Site Evaluation for Pulmonary Infectious Diseases

    Published on: March 1, 2024

    Efficient Method for Imaging Murine Lungs that Preserves Spatial Dynamics of Fungal Spores in the Airways10:06

    Efficient Method for Imaging Murine Lungs that Preserves Spatial Dynamics of Fungal Spores in the Airways

    Published on: December 13, 2024

    Related Concept Videos

    Pneumonia I: Introduction01:30

    Pneumonia I: Introduction

    Pneumonia is an acute respiratory infection that targets the lungs, specifically the alveoli. These tiny air sacs, essential for oxygen exchange, become engorged with pus and fluid, severely hindering breathing, decreasing oxygen absorption, and causing significant pain and discomfort during respiration.
    Risk Factors
    Various factors influence the likelihood of developing pneumonia. Age plays a crucial role, with infants, children under two, and individuals over 65 at increased risk due to their...
    Pulmonary Tuberculosis I01:29

    Pulmonary Tuberculosis I

    Tuberculosis, often called TB, is a contagious illness primarily caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It mainly affects the lung parenchyma but can also impact other body parts.
    Causative Organism
    The primary infectious agent causing tuberculosis is Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a slow-growing, acid-fast, aerobic rod that exhibits sensitivity to heat and ultraviolet light. Instances of Mycobacterium bovis and Mycobacterium avium contributing to the development of TB infection are rare.
    Mode of...
    Pulmonary Tuberculosis II01:28

    Pulmonary Tuberculosis II

    Tuberculosis, or TB, is a bacterial infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. While its primary impact is on the lungs, leading to pulmonary tuberculosis, it can also affect various other organs, a condition referred to as extrapulmonary tuberculosis.
    Here is a detailed explanation of its pathophysiology:
    Transmission: The process begins when a person inhales droplet nuclei containing M. tuberculosis. These are typically released into the air when an individual with pulmonary or...
    Tuberculosis01:23

    Tuberculosis

    Tuberculosis (TB) remains a significant global health concern, primarily targeting the lungs and spreading through airborne transmission. Infection begins when aerosolized droplet nuclei, expelled by an individual with active TB, are inhaled by another person. These microscopic particles carry Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the causative agent of TB. Upon reaching the alveoli, the bacilli are engulfed by alveolar macrophages. However, due to their specialized lipid-rich cell wall, these pathogens...
    Smallpox01:24

    Smallpox

    Smallpox is a severe contagious disease caused by the Variola major virus, a double-stranded DNA member of the Poxviridae family.Variola major transmission occurs primarily via inhalation of virus-laden droplets or direct contact with infectious scabs. The incubation period averages approximately seven days, although it may range from 7 to 17 days depending on the inoculum and host factors.Clinically, the prodromal phase is marked by an abrupt onset of high fever, malaise, headache, and myalgia.
    Pneumonia I: Introduction01:29

    Pneumonia I: Introduction

    Pneumonia is an infection of the lower respiratory tract that leads to inflammation of the lung parenchyma, often resulting in the accumulation of inflammatory exudate in the alveoli and airways. Unlike the watery, low-protein fluid exudate in pulmonary edema, the exudate in this case is a thick fluid rich in immune cells, proteins, and debris produced during infection and inflammation.This impairs gas exchange and can lead to consolidation of lung tissue. The infection may be caused by a...