Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 14, 2025
Whole Genome Sequencing of Candida glabrata for Detection of Markers of Antifungal Drug Resistance
Published on: December 28, 2017
Long-range air dispersion of Candida auris in a cardiothoracic unit outbreak in Hong Kong
T Didik1, A P-Y Yau2, H L Cheung3
1Department of Pathology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China; Department of Pathology, Hong Kong Children's Hospital, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China.
Background:
Nosocomial outbreaks of Candida auris, a multidrug-resistant fungus, are increasingly reported worldwide; the mode of transmission has usually been reported to be via direct contact. Some studies previously suggested potential short-distance air dispersal during high-turbulence activities, but evidence on long-range air dispersal remains scarce.
Aim:
To describe a C. auris nosocomial outbreak involving two wards (H7, 5E) in two local hospitals.
Methods:
Samples were taken from patients, ward surfaces (frequently touched items and non-reachable surfaces) while settle plates were used for passive air sampling to investigate possible contributions by direct contact and air dispersal. Epidemiological and phylogenetic analyses were also performed on the C. auris isolates from this outbreak.
Findings:
Eighteen patients were confirmed to have asymptomatic C. auris skin colonization. C. auris was expectedly identified in samplings from frequently touched ward items but was also isolated in two samples from ceiling supply air grilles which were 2.4 m high and inaccessible by patients. Moreover, one sample from a corridor return air grille as far as 9.8 m away from the C. auris cohort area was also positive. Two passive air samplings were positive, including one from a cubicle with no confirmed cases for four days, suggesting possible air dispersal of C. auris. Whole-genome sequencing confirmed clonality of air, environment, and patients' isolates.
Conclusion:
This is the first study to demonstrate potential long-range air dispersal of C. auris in an open-cubicle ward setting. Ventilation precautions and decontamination of out-of-reach high-level surfaces should be considered in C. auris outbreak management.
Insights
This study investigated Candida auris (C. auris) transmission, finding evidence of long-range airborne dispersal in hospitals. Enhanced ventilation and surface cleaning are recommended for managing C. auris outbreaks.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Hospital Epidemiology
- Mycology
Background:
- Nosocomial outbreaks of multidrug-resistant Candida auris (C. auris) are a growing global concern.
- Transmission is typically attributed to direct contact, with limited evidence for airborne spread.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate a C. auris outbreak across two hospital wards.
- To assess the roles of direct contact and airborne dispersal in C. auris transmission.
Main Methods:
- Sampled patients, ward surfaces, and air using passive air sampling.
- Conducted epidemiological and phylogenetic analyses of C. auris isolates.
- Utilized whole-genome sequencing to confirm isolate clonality.
Main Results:
- Identified C. auris colonization in 18 patients.
- Detected C. auris on high-level air grilles and distant corridor return air grilles.
- Confirmed airborne dispersal of C. auris, even into areas without recent cases.
- Whole-genome sequencing linked air, environmental, and patient isolates.
Conclusions:
- This study provides the first evidence of potential long-range airborne dispersal of C. auris in open-cubicle hospital wards.
- Recommends incorporating ventilation strategies and high-level surface decontamination into C. auris outbreak management plans.
More Related Videos
15:01Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy-Based Quantitative Analysis of Aspergillus fumigatus Conidia Distribution in Whole-Mount Optically Cleared Mouse Lung
Published on: September 18, 2021
10:06Efficient Method for Imaging Murine Lungs that Preserves Spatial Dynamics of Fungal Spores in the Airways
Published on: December 13, 2024
