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Potted plants in hospitals as reservoirs of pathogenic fungi
R C Summerbell1, S Krajden, J Kane
1Mycology Laboratory, Ontario Ministry of Health Laboratory Services Branch, Toronto, Canada.
Abstract:
The soils of five potted plants cultivated within a hospital were investigated for the presence of fungal opportunistic pathogens of humans. A total of 16 potentially pathogenic species were isolated, including Aspergillus fumigatus at up to 53.5 colony-forming units (CFU) per gram dry soil and Scedosporium apiospermum (Pseudallescheria boydii) at up to 97.0 CFU/g. Other common species included Phialophora verrucosa and Fusarium solani. Scedosporium inflatum, a recently described emerging pathogen, is reported for the first time from an environmental source. The results of this study, in combination with previous case reports linking mycoses to potted plants and available information on the establishment and dispersal of fungal opportunistic pathogens in indoor habitats, indicate that indoor plant soils constitute a serious mycotic hazard to the immunosuppressed patient.
Insights
Hospital indoor plant soils harbor dangerous fungal pathogens like Aspergillus fumigatus. These fungi pose a significant mycotic hazard, especially to immunocompromised patients, highlighting a serious indoor environmental risk.
Area of Science:
- Medical Mycology
- Environmental Microbiology
- Hospital-Acquired Infections
Background:
- Indoor plants are common in healthcare settings.
- Fungal opportunistic pathogens can cause severe infections in vulnerable individuals.
- Previous reports suggest a link between mycoses and indoor plants.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and load of fungal opportunistic pathogens in hospital indoor plant soils.
- To identify specific pathogenic fungal species and their concentrations.
- To assess the potential mycotic risk posed by these indoor plant environments.
Main Methods:
- Soil samples were collected from five potted plants within a hospital.
- Fungal isolates were identified using standard mycological techniques.
- Quantification of fungal load was performed using colony-forming units (CFU) per gram of dry soil.
Main Results:
- Sixteen potentially pathogenic fungal species were isolated.
- High concentrations of Aspergillus fumigatus (up to 53.5 CFU/g) and Scedosporium apiospermum (up to 97.0 CFU/g) were detected.
- Emerging pathogen Scedosporium inflatum was identified from an environmental source for the first time.
Conclusions:
- Indoor plant soils in hospitals are reservoirs for human fungal opportunistic pathogens.
- The identified fungal species and their concentrations represent a significant mycotic hazard.
- Immunocompromised patients in hospital environments are at increased risk of fungal infections from indoor plants.