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Published on: February 14, 2018
Survival of some medically important fungi on hospital fabrics and plastics
1Shriners Hospitals for Children, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio 45229, USA. aneely@shrinenet.org
Journal of Clinical Microbiology
|August 30, 2001
Abstract:
Tests of the survival of Candida spp., Aspergillus spp., a Fusarium sp., a Mucor sp., and a Paecilomyces sp. on hospital fabrics and plastics indicated that viability was variable, with most fungi surviving at least 1 day but many living for weeks. These findings reinforce the need for appropriate disinfection and conscientious contact control precautions.
Insights
Hospital fungi like Candida and Aspergillus can survive on fabrics and plastics for weeks, highlighting the need for thorough disinfection and careful contact control to prevent infections.
Area of Science:
- Medical Mycology
- Infection Control
- Environmental Microbiology
Background:
- Hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) pose a significant threat to patient safety.
- Fungal pathogens can persist on environmental surfaces, acting as reservoirs for transmission.
- Understanding fungal viability on common hospital materials is crucial for effective decontamination strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the survival rates of common fungal species on hospital-utilized fabrics and plastics.
- To determine the environmental persistence of clinically relevant fungi.
- To inform disinfection protocols and contact precautions in healthcare settings.
Main Methods:
- In vitro testing of fungal survival.
- Exposure of various fungal species (Candida spp., Aspergillus spp., Fusarium sp., Mucor sp., Paecilomyces sp.) to hospital fabrics and plastic surfaces.
- Monitoring fungal viability over extended periods.
Main Results:
- Variable survival rates were observed across different fungal species and materials.
- Most tested fungi remained viable for at least one day.
- Several fungal species demonstrated extended survival, persisting for weeks on surfaces.
Conclusions:
- Fungal pathogens exhibit significant environmental persistence on hospital fomites.
- Current disinfection practices may require enhancement to effectively eliminate these resilient fungi.
- Strict adherence to contact control and environmental hygiene is essential to mitigate fungal transmission in hospitals.
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