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Published on: February 14, 2011
Could Histoplasma capsulatum Be Related to Healthcare-Associated Infections?
Laura Elena Carreto-Binaghi1, Lisandra Serra Damasceno2, Nayla de Souza Pitangui3
1Departamento de Microbiología-Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Circuito Interior, Ciudad Universitaria, Avenida Universidad 3000, 04510 México, DF, Mexico.
Abstract:
Healthcare-associated infections (HAI) are described in diverse settings. The main etiologic agents of HAI are bacteria (85%) and fungi (13%). Some factors increase the risk for HAI, particularly the use of medical devices; patients with severe cuts, wounds, and burns; stays in the intensive care unit, surgery, and hospital reconstruction works. Several fungal HAI are caused by Candida spp., usually from an endogenous source; however, cross-transmission via the hands of healthcare workers or contaminated devices can occur. Although other medically important fungi, such as Blastomyces dermatitidis, Paracoccidioides brasiliensis, and Histoplasma capsulatum, have never been considered nosocomial pathogens, there are some factors that point out the pros and cons for this possibility. Among these fungi, H. capsulatum infection has been linked to different medical devices and surgery implants. The filamentous form of H. capsulatum may be present in hospital settings, as this fungus adapts to different types of climates and has great dispersion ability. Although conventional pathogen identification techniques have never identified H. capsulatum in the hospital environment, molecular biology procedures could be useful in this setting. More research on H. capsulatum as a HAI etiologic agent is needed, since it causes a severe and often fatal disease in immunocompromised patients.
Insights
Healthcare-associated infections (HAI) are primarily bacterial but can be fungal. Histoplasma capsulatum, a fungus, may pose a risk for HAI, especially in immunocompromised patients, warranting further investigation.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Mycology
- Hospital Epidemiology
Background:
- Healthcare-associated infections (HAI) are a significant concern, predominantly caused by bacteria (85%) and fungi (13%).
- Risk factors for HAI include medical device use, severe injuries, intensive care unit stays, surgery, and hospital renovations.
- Candida species are common fungal causes of HAI, often from endogenous sources, but cross-transmission is possible.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the potential of Histoplasma capsulatum, a medically important fungus, as a nosocomial pathogen.
- To evaluate factors suggesting the possibility of H. capsulatum causing HAI.
- To highlight the need for further research into H. capsulatum as an HAI agent.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on fungal HAI and H. capsulatum epidemiology.
- Analysis of factors contributing to HAI risk in relation to H. capsulatum.
- Consideration of molecular biology techniques for pathogen detection.
Main Results:
- While not traditionally considered a nosocomial pathogen, H. capsulatum has been linked to medical devices and surgical implants.
- The filamentous form of H. capsulatum can potentially exist in hospital environments due to its adaptability and dispersion.
- Conventional methods have not detected H. capsulatum in hospitals, but molecular techniques may be more effective.
Conclusions:
- Histoplasma capsulatum presents a potential, under-investigated risk for healthcare-associated infections.
- Further research is crucial to understand the role of H. capsulatum in HAI, particularly in immunocompromised individuals.
- Molecular diagnostics may be essential for detecting H. capsulatum in healthcare settings.
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