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Molecular epidemiology of nosocomial invasive aspergillosis
H Girardin1, J Sarfati, F Traoré
1Unité de Mycologie, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France.
Abstract:
Moderately repeated DNA sequences were used to fingerprint strains of Aspergillus fumigatus isolated from patients with invasive aspergillosis and their hospital environment. Most strains sampled from the environment displayed different Southern blot hybridization patterns. A temporal survey of air contaminants showed that some strains can persist in the same environment for at least 6 months. Patients with invasive aspergillosis were infected by a single strain. In two patients, a nosocomial origin of infection was suggested.
Insights
This study used DNA fingerprinting to analyze Aspergillus fumigatus strains from patients and hospitals. It found that environmental strains can persist, and patients are typically infected by a single strain, suggesting potential hospital-acquired infections.
Area of Science:
- Medical Mycology
- Molecular Biology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Invasive aspergillosis is a serious fungal infection, often caused by Aspergillus fumigatus.
- Understanding the sources and transmission of Aspergillus fumigatus in healthcare settings is crucial for infection control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To genetically differentiate Aspergillus fumigatus strains from invasive aspergillosis patients and their hospital environment.
- To investigate the persistence and potential sources of Aspergillus fumigatus in hospital air.
Main Methods:
- DNA fingerprinting using moderately repeated DNA sequences.
- Southern blot hybridization for strain analysis.
- Temporal monitoring of airborne fungal contaminants.
Main Results:
- Environmental Aspergillus fumigatus strains showed diverse genetic profiles.
- Some environmental strains demonstrated persistence for at least six months.
- Each patient with invasive aspergillosis was infected by a single Aspergillus fumigatus strain.
- Nosocomial (hospital-acquired) infection was indicated in two patient cases.
Conclusions:
- DNA fingerprinting is effective for tracking Aspergillus fumigatus strains.
- Hospitals can harbor persistent Aspergillus fumigatus strains, posing an infection risk.
- Single-strain infections in patients suggest specific transmission events, potentially from the hospital environment.