Contamination of an endoscope due to Trichosporon beigelli

Trichosporon beigelli was isolated from the gastric aspirates of ten patients who had undergone endoscopy. Suspecting fungal contamination of the endoscopic equipment, samples from the biopsy channel, the water bottle, aspiration catheter and the tip of the endoscope were examined. Only the sample from the biopsy channel showed fungal elements on direct examination and grew Trichosporon beigelli. The original source for the fungus was an immunocompromised patient who had undergone endoscopy earlier. This episode occurred despite adherence to apparently adequate disinfection procedures for endoscopes. Because of the risk of cross-infection, especially in immunocompromised patients, it is imperative to take special steps to prevent fungal contamination of endoscopes.