Air Sampling for Fungus around Hospitalized Patients with Coronavirus Disease 2019

Area of Science:

• Environmental microbiology
• Infection control
• Pulmonary medicine

Background:

• Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patient care involves modified hospital room airflow to prevent healthcare worker exposure to aerosols.
• These modifications, particularly negative pressure rooms, might inadvertently increase the risk of airborne fungal exposure, potentially leading to COVID-19-associated pulmonary aspergillosis (CAPA).

Purpose of the Study:

• To quantitatively assess airborne fungal levels in different hospital room pressure environments used for COVID-19 patient care.
• To compare fungal burden in negative pressure rooms with neutral pressure rooms and HEPA-filtered environments.

Main Methods:

• Quantitative microbiologic air sampling was conducted in negative and slightly negative pressure rooms for COVID-19 patients.
• Air samples were also collected from neutral pressure rooms in general wards and a liver intensive care unit with HEPA filtration for comparative analysis.

Main Results:

• The highest airborne fungal burden was detected in recently renovated, slightly negative pressure rooms.
• Airborne fungal concentrations were significantly higher in both negative pressure environments designated for COVID-19 patient treatment compared to control areas.
• This study provides quantitative evidence linking specific hospital room environments to increased airborne fungal presence.

Conclusions:

• Hospital room modifications for COVID-19 patient isolation may create an environmental risk factor for CAPA.
• Enhanced environmental infection control strategies are recommended to mitigate fungal spore exposure in these settings.
• Further research is needed to define the clinical implications and optimal air sterilization protocols.