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Updated: Sep 30, 2026
Histological Quantification to Determine Lung Fungal Burden in Experimental Aspergillosis
Published on: March 9, 2018
[Mycologic surveillance of the environment for preventive invasive aspergillosis. Proposals for standardization of
J P Gangneux1, J L Poirot, O Morin
1CHU de Rennes, Collège hospitalo-universitaire et professionnel de la Société Française d'Hématologie 2-Hôpital Saint-Antoine, Paris, France.
Abstract:
A MAJOR RISK: The infection of immunodepressed patients by Aspergillus-type fungi increases morbidity and mortality, particularly in hematology units or during solid organ transplantation. Although present diagnostic means benefit from the progress over the last years, they remain limited and chemoprophylaxis protocols have still not demonstrated significant efficacy. THE NEED FOR RECOMMENDATIONS: Today, the handling of environmental risks is the only strategy that has proved its efficacy and usefulness. On the basis of administrative recommendations and data from the literature, a multicentric and pluri-disciplinary task force, grouping clinicians, microbiologists and hygienists, has assessed different methods and has proposed recommendations for the standardization and optimization of fungal surveillance of the environment.
Insights
Aspergillus fungal infections pose a major risk to immunocompromised patients. Environmental risk management is crucial for preventing infections in healthcare settings.
Area of Science:
- Medical Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
- Environmental Health
Context:
- Immunocompromised patients, particularly in hematology and transplant units, face high risks from Aspergillus infections.
- Current diagnostic methods and chemoprophylaxis show limited efficacy in managing these fungal infections.
Purpose:
- To address the limitations in diagnosing and preventing Aspergillus infections in vulnerable patient populations.
- To develop standardized and optimized recommendations for environmental fungal surveillance.
Summary:
- A multidisciplinary task force evaluated various methods for fungal surveillance.
- Recommendations were formulated based on administrative guidelines and existing literature.
- The focus is on standardizing environmental monitoring to mitigate fungal risks.
Impact:
- Aims to improve patient outcomes by reducing fungal infection-related morbidity and mortality.
- Provides a framework for effective environmental risk management in healthcare facilities.
- Enhances the control of nosocomial fungal infections through proactive surveillance.
