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08:01
Detection of Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis in Haematological Malignancy Patients by using Lateral-flow Technology
Published on: March 22, 2012
Post-surgical invasive aspergillosis: an uncommon and under-appreciated entity
Julia Jensen1, Jesús Guinea, Marta Torres-Narbona
1Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases Department, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain.
The Journal of Infection
|November 26, 2009
Summary
Post-surgical invasive aspergillosis (PSIA) is a rare complication, often due to environmental contamination after surgery. This study highlights its occurrence and risk factors in surgical patients.
Area of Science:
- Medical Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
- Surgical Infections
Background:
- Post-surgical invasive aspergillosis (PSIA) is an uncommon but serious complication.
- It can arise from intraoperative or immediate postoperative contamination by Aspergillus conidia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the characteristics and risk factors of PSIA.
- To assess the role of airborne Aspergillus conidia in operating rooms and patient environments.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective review of 7 PSIA cases between 1997 and 2006.
- Air sampling for Aspergillus conidia in operating rooms and surrounding areas for 5 patients.
Main Results:
- PSIA represented 8.4% of all invasive aspergillosis cases.
- Cases occurred after cardiac, thoracic, and vascular prosthetic surgery, primarily caused by Aspergillus fumigatus.
- Mortality was 100% for organ/space infections; contamination was linked to postoperative environmental factors, not pre-operative air quality.
Conclusions:
- PSIA constitutes nearly 10% of invasive aspergillosis cases.
- Contamination often stems from environmental sources post-surgery, rather than high levels of airborne conidia during operations.
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