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Nosocomial Trichophyton tonsurans in a long stay ward
1Department of Dermatology, Health Waikato, Hamilton.
Aims:
To document a nosocomial outbreak of Trichophyton tonsurans infection in a long stay ward.
Method:
Retrospective review of mycology cultures taken from patients and staff during 1993-5 and clinical examination of both patients and staff.
Results:
Thirty-three mycology samples from 13 patients and staff, cultured T tonsurans during the period 1993-5. Twenty-two patients and staff were examined; 4 had mycology confirmed T tonsurans (2 scalp, 2 fingernail). Treatment with terbinafine 250 mg/day for 2 months resulted in clinical clearance (only 1 positive culture in 16 months follow-up).
Summary:
T tonsurans is emerging as an important pathogen which may cause nosocomial infections.
Insights
A Trichophyton tonsurans outbreak occurred in a long-stay ward, affecting patients and staff. Effective treatment with terbinafine led to clinical clearance, highlighting T tonsurans as a potential nosocomial pathogen.
Area of Science:
- Medical Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
- Hospital Epidemiology
Background:
- Trichophyton tonsurans (T tonsurans) is a dermatophyte.
- Nosocomial fungal infections pose a significant challenge in healthcare settings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To document a nosocomial outbreak of T tonsurans infection.
- To identify affected individuals and clinical presentations within a long-stay ward.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of mycology cultures from patients and staff (1993-1995).
- Clinical examination of affected patients and staff.
- Microbiological analysis of collected samples.
Main Results:
- Tonsurans was cultured from 33 samples belonging to 13 patients and staff.
- Four individuals (2 scalp, 2 fingernail) had confirmed T tonsurans infections.
- Treatment with terbinafine (250 mg/day for 2 months) achieved clinical clearance, with only one positive culture in 16 months of follow-up.
Conclusions:
- Tonsurans is emerging as a significant pathogen capable of causing nosocomial infections.
- Prompt diagnosis and effective antifungal therapy are crucial for managing T tonsurans outbreaks.
- Surveillance for T tonsurans in long-stay wards is recommended.