[Nosocomial aspergillosis: epidemiology and control]

Area of Science:

• Medical Mycology
• Infectious Diseases
• Hospital Epidemiology

Background:

• Rising incidence of Aspergillus infections in immunocompromised patients and those in intensive care units.
• Increased detection of aspergillosis in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
• Healthcare-associated aspergillosis is a significant concern, with inhalation as the primary acquisition route.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the epidemiology of nosocomial aspergillosis.
• To discuss control strategies for healthcare-associated Aspergillus infections.
• To highlight the importance of prevention due to diagnostic and treatment challenges.

Main Methods:

• Literature review on nosocomial aspergillosis.
• Analysis of epidemiological data on Aspergillus infections.
• Synthesis of information on prevention and control measures.

Main Results:

• Aspergillus infections, particularly by Aspergillus fumigatus and Aspergillus flavus, are increasingly prevalent in healthcare settings.
• Common clinical manifestations include respiratory, cutaneous, sinusal, and rhino-cerebral disease.
• Non-specific clinical signs complicate diagnosis and treatment, underscoring the need for prevention.

Conclusions:

• Prevention of healthcare-associated aspergillosis is crucial.
• Effective control measures are needed to combat the rising incidence of these infections.
• Further research into early diagnosis and effective treatment is warranted.