Environmental risk of mycosis in patients treated at an acquired immunodeficiency ward

Area of Science:

• Medical Mycology
• Environmental Health
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Patients with acquired immunodeficiency are highly susceptible to fungal infections.
• Environmental fungal contamination poses a significant risk to immunocompromised individuals.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the presence and levels of fungi in the environment of a ward treating Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) positive and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) patients.
• To identify potentially pathogenic fungi in indoor air and on room surfaces within the specialized ward.

Main Methods:

• Air and wall surface sampling were conducted over five days in December 2006 at the University Hospital in Cracow.
• Fungal presence was quantified using aspiration (MAS 100) for air and contact plates (bioMèrieux) for walls.
• Collected fungal isolates were analyzed using standard mycological techniques.

Main Results:

• Fungal counts in indoor air were significantly higher in the morning compared to the evening.
• Average fungal concentrations ranged from 55 to 490 colony-forming units per cubic meter (c.f.u./m³).
• Potentially pathogenic fungi, including Aspergillus sp., Mucor sp., and Candida sp., were identified in all sampled patient rooms.

Conclusions:

• The study identified the presence of potentially pathogenic fungi in the patient environment.
• Environmental fungal control is crucial for managing infections in immunocompromised patients.
• Implementing standard procedures for reducing airborne pathogens is recommended for healthcare staff, particularly epidemiological nurses.