Related Experiment Videos
An outbreak of invasive aspergillosis in a haematologic unit
Abstract:
Within a period of 15 months 8 cases of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis were seen in a haematologic unit; 7 of them between January and October 1984. No previous cases of invasive aspergillosis had been encountered during the existence of the unit since 1979. Environmental studies did not prove a single likely source for the fungal spores. Previous window renovation with concomitant fiber deposits on ventilation grids, poor sealing of air filter fittings in patient rooms, occasional ventilation through windows in the ward, and low speed of booster fans in the ventilation system may have created a condition favourable for the entry of Aspergillus fumigatus spores into the patient rooms. Environmental sanitation including cleaning of the ventilation ducts and change of filters in the ventilation system stopped the outbreak. Two sporadic cases have appeared during a follow-up period of 26 months.
Insights
An outbreak of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis occurred in a hematologic unit, with 8 cases over 15 months. Environmental sanitation, including duct cleaning and filter changes, successfully halted the Aspergillus fumigatus spore outbreak.
Area of Science:
- Medical Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
- Hematology
Background:
- Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis is a serious fungal infection.
- A hematologic unit experienced an unprecedented cluster of cases.
- Previous cases were absent since the unit's inception in 1979.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the cause of a sudden increase in invasive pulmonary aspergillosis cases.
- To identify environmental factors contributing to Aspergillus fumigatus spore entry.
- To determine effective control measures for the outbreak.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective case review of 8 patients with invasive pulmonary aspergillosis.
- Environmental assessment of the hematologic unit, including ventilation systems.
- Microbiological sampling and analysis for Aspergillus fumigatus spores.
Main Results:
- Seven out of eight cases occurred within a 10-month period in 1984.
- Environmental factors identified included window renovation debris, inadequate air filter sealing, and ventilation system deficiencies.
- Environmental sanitation interventions, specifically cleaning ventilation ducts and replacing filters, terminated the outbreak.
Conclusions:
- Environmental factors significantly contributed to the invasive pulmonary aspergillosis outbreak.
- Prompt and thorough environmental sanitation is crucial for controlling fungal spore contamination in healthcare settings.
- Post-outbreak surveillance identified two sporadic cases, suggesting ongoing vigilance is necessary.