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Environmental sampling for aspergilli during building construction on a hospital site
J M Goodley1, Y M Clayton, R J Hay
1St John's Institute of Dermatology, UMDS, Guys Hospital, London.
The Journal of Hospital Infection
|January 1, 1994
Summary
Air sampling at Guy's Hospital found low levels of Aspergillus fumigatus spores year-round, with no significant increase during building activity. Nasal carriage was low, and no infections occurred.
Area of Science:
- Environmental microbiology
- Hospital-acquired infections
Background:
- Hospital environments can harbor airborne fungal spores.
- Aspergillus spp. are common environmental fungi with potential health implications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To monitor Aspergillus spp. spore frequency during hospital construction.
- To assess Aspergillus nasal carriage in patients.
- To correlate spore levels with environmental and building factors.
Main Methods:
- Weekly air sampling for one year in hospital grounds and wards.
- Nasal swabs from patients on a selected ward.
- Monitoring of weather conditions and localized building activity.
Main Results:
- Aspergillus fumigatus was the predominant species, found at low frequencies.
- Spore counts showed minimal seasonal variation, with a slight peak in March.
- Internal and external spore counts were similar; building activity did not elevate internal levels.
- Six percent of patients carried A. fumigatus nasally, with no resultant infections.
Conclusions:
- Hospital air quality regarding Aspergillus spores remained relatively stable despite construction.
- Nasal carriage of A. fumigatus in patients was low and did not lead to infection in this study.
- Environmental monitoring is crucial in healthcare settings, especially during renovations.