[Aspergillus spp. in risk areas of transplant patients in a university hospital]

Area of Science:

• Medical Mycology
• Hospital Epidemiology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Increased incidence of aspergillosis linked to rising immunocompromised patient populations.
• Opportunistic fungal infections pose significant risks in healthcare settings.
• Common Aspergillus species like A. fumigatus, A. flavus, and A. niger are frequently found in hospital environments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the presence and load of Aspergillus species in areas designated for transplant patients.
• To identify specific Aspergillus species contaminating air and water within these critical hospital zones.
• To inform preventative strategies against fungal infections in vulnerable patient groups.

Main Methods:

• Air sampling using the MAS-100 Air Sampler from transplant patient areas.
• Water sampling (100 ml) from the same hospital locations.
• Culturing of all samples in triplicate on 2% Sabouraud Dextrose Agar for fungal enumeration.
• Identification of Aspergillus species present in positive cultures.

Main Results:

• Average aspergilli load in air samples was 2.8 CFU/l, with species including A. flavus, A. niger, A. versicolor, and A. terreus.
• Average aspergilli load in water samples was 17.1 CFU/l, with A. flavus and A. clavatus identified.
• Potentially pathogenic Aspergillus species were detected in both air and water within transplant patient care areas.

Conclusions:

• The presence of potentially pathogenic Aspergillus species necessitates active surveillance in transplant patient areas.
• High clinical suspicion for aspergillosis is crucial in transplant recipients due to environmental fungal contamination.
• Further research into fungal load thresholds and host factors is needed to understand infection development.