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Lee LD, Berkheiser M, Jiang Y, Hackett B, Hachem RY, Chemaly RF, Raad II. Risk of Bioaerosol Contamination With Aspergillus Species Before and After Cleaning in Rooms Filtered With High-Efficiency Particulate Air Filters That House Patients With Hematologic Malignancy. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2015; 28:1066-70. [DOI: 10.1086/519866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2006] [Accepted: 03/21/2007] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Objective.To examine the impact of cleaning and directional airflow on environmental contamination with Aspergillus species in hospital rooms filtered with high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters that house patients with hematologic malignancy.Design.Detailed environmental assessment.Setting.A 475-bed tertiary cancer center in the southern United States.Methods.From April to October 2004, 1,258 surface samples and 627 bioaerosol samples were obtained from 74 HEPA-filtered rooms (in addition, 88 outdoor bioaerosol samples were obtained). Samples were collected from rooms cleaned within 1 hour after patient discharge and from rooms before cleaning. Positive and negative airflows were evaluated using air-current tubes at entrances to patient rooms.Results.Of 1,258 surface samples, 3.3% were positive for Aspergillus species. Univariate analysis showed no relationship between cleaning status and occurrence of Aspergillus species. Of 627 bioaerosol samples, 7.3% were positive for Aspergillus species. Multiple logistic analysis revealed independently significant associations with detection of Aspergillus species. Cleaned rooms positive for Aspergillus species had a higher geometric mean density of colonies than that of rooms sampled before cleaning (18.9 vs 5.5 colony-forming units [cfu] per cubic meter; P = .0047). Rooms with positive airflow had a detection rate for bioaerosol samples equivalent to that of rooms with negative airflow (7.3% vs 7.8%; P = .8). There was no significant difference in the density of Aspergillus species between rooms with negative airflow and rooms with positive airflow (12.5 vs 8.4 cfu/m3; P = .33).Conclusions.Concentration of bioaerosol contamination with Aspergillus species was increased in rooms sampled 1 hour after cleaning compared with rooms sampled before cleaning, suggesting a possible correlation between reentrained bioaerosols (ie, those suspended by activity in the room) after cleaning and the risk of nosocomial invasive aspergillosis.
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Pore VS, Agalave SG, Singh P, Shukla PK, Kumar V, Siddiqi MI. Design and synthesis of new fluconazole analogues. Org Biomol Chem 2015; 13:6551-61. [DOI: 10.1039/c5ob00590f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The synthesis of new fluconazole analogues containing two different 1,2,3-triazole units and an amide group is described. All the compounds showed very high antifungal activity and no toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vandana S. Pore
- Organic Chemistry Division
- CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory
- Pune 411 008
- India
| | - Sandip G. Agalave
- Organic Chemistry Division
- CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory
- Pune 411 008
- India
| | - Pratiksha Singh
- Medical Mycology Lab
- Division of Fermentation Technology
- CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute
- Lucknow
- India
| | - Praveen K. Shukla
- Medical Mycology Lab
- Division of Fermentation Technology
- CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute
- Lucknow
- India
| | - Vikash Kumar
- Computational Bio & Bioinformatics Lab
- Division of Molecular & Structural Biology
- CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute
- Lucknow
- India
| | - Mohammad I. Siddiqi
- Computational Bio & Bioinformatics Lab
- Division of Molecular & Structural Biology
- CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute
- Lucknow
- India
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Monteiro-da-Silva F, Araujo R, Sampaio-Maia B. Interindividual variability and intraindividual stability of oral fungal microbiota over time. Med Mycol 2014; 52:498-505. [DOI: 10.1093/mmy/myu027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
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Abstract
Invasive fungal infections have increase worldwide and represent a threat for immunocompromised patients including HIV-infected, recipients of solid organ and stem cell transplants, and patients receiving immunosuppressive therapies. High mortality rates and difficulties in early diagnosis characterize pulmonary fungal infections. Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis has been reviewed focussing on therapeutic management. Although new compounds have become available in the past years (i.e., amphotericin B lipid formulations, last-generation azoles, and echinocandines), new diagnostic tools and careful therapeutic management are mandatory to assure an early appropriate targeted treatment that represents the key factor for a successful conservative approach in respiratory fungal infections.
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Desoubeaux G, Bernard MC, Gros V, Sarradin P, Perrodeau E, Vecellio L, Piscopo A, Chandenier J, Bernard L. Testing an innovative device against airborne Aspergillus contamination. Med Mycol 2014; 52:584-90. [PMID: 24965945 DOI: 10.1093/mmy/myu011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Aspergillus fumigatus is a major airborne nosocomial pathogen that is responsible for severe mycosis in immunocompromised patients. We studied the efficacy of an innovative mobile air-treatment device in eliminating A. fumigatus from the air following experimental massive contamination in a high-security room. Viable mycological particles were isolated from sequential air samples in order to evaluate the device's effectiveness in removing the fungus. The concentration of airborne conidia was reduced by 95% in 18 min. Contamination was reduced below the detection threshold in 29 min, even when the machine was at the lowest airflow setting. In contrast, during spontaneous settling with no air treatment, conidia remained airborne for more than 1 h. This indoor air contamination model provided consistent and reproducible results. Because the air purifier proved to be effective at eliminating a major contaminant, it may prove useful in preventing air-transmitted disease agents. In an experimental space mimicking a hospital room, the AirLyse air purifier, which uses a combination of germicidal ultraviolet C irradiation and titanium photocatalysis, effectively eliminated Aspergillus conidia. Such a mobile device may be useful in routine practice for lowering microbiological air contamination in the rooms of patients at risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillaume Desoubeaux
- Department of Parasitology-Mycology-Tropical Medicine, Centre Hospitalier Régional Universitaire, Tours, France Unité Mixte de Recherche, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale U1100, Equipe d'Accueil 6305, University of François Rabelais School of Medicine, Tours, France
| | - Marie-Charlotte Bernard
- Unité Mixte de Recherche, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale U1100, Equipe d'Accueil 6305, University of François Rabelais School of Medicine, Tours, France AirLyse, Saint-Avertin, France
| | - Valérie Gros
- Laboratoire des Sciences du Climat et de l'Environnement, Institut Pierre-Simon Laplace, Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université de Versailles Saint-Quentin-en-Yveline, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Pierre Sarradin
- Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique, Unité d'Enseignement 1277, Nouzilly, France
| | - Elodie Perrodeau
- Department of Clinical Investigation, Centre Hospitalier Régional Universitaire, Tours, France
| | - Laurent Vecellio
- Unité Mixte de Recherche, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale U1100, Equipe d'Accueil 6305, University of François Rabelais School of Medicine, Tours, France Diffusion Technique Française, Aerodrug, Tours, France
| | | | - Jacques Chandenier
- Department of Parasitology-Mycology-Tropical Medicine, Centre Hospitalier Régional Universitaire, Tours, France Unité Mixte de Recherche, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale U1100, Equipe d'Accueil 6305, University of François Rabelais School of Medicine, Tours, France
| | - Louis Bernard
- Unité Mixte de Recherche, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale U1100, Equipe d'Accueil 6305, University of François Rabelais School of Medicine, Tours, France Department of Internal Medicine & Infectious Disease, Centre Hospitalier Régional Universitaire, Tours, France
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Sabino R, Verissimo C, Parada H, Brandao J, Viegas C, Carolino E, Clemons KV, Stevens DA. Molecular screening of 246 Portuguese Aspergillus isolates among different clinical and environmental sources. Med Mycol 2014; 52:519-29. [DOI: 10.1093/mmy/myu006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
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A 10-year survey of fungal aerocontamination in hospital corridors: a reliable sentinel to predict fungal exposure risk? J Hosp Infect 2014; 87:34-40. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jhin.2014.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2013] [Accepted: 02/19/2014] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Álvarez Lerma F, Olaechea Astigarraga P, Palomar Martínez M, Rodríguez Carvajal M, Machado Casas JF, Jiménez Quintana MM, Esteve Urbano F, Ballesteros Herráez JC, Zavala Zegarra E. [Respiratory infections caused by Aspergillus spp. in critically ill patients admitted to the intensive care units]. Med Intensiva 2014; 39:149-59. [PMID: 24713089 DOI: 10.1016/j.medin.2014.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2013] [Revised: 02/03/2014] [Accepted: 02/11/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED The presence of respiratory fungal infection in the critically ill patient is associated with high morbidity and mortality. OBJECTIVES To assess the incidence of respiratory infection caused by Aspergillus spp. independently of the origin of infection in patients admitted to Spanish ICUs, as well as to describe the rates, characteristics, outcomes and prognostic factors in patients with this type of infection. MATERIAL AND METHODS An observational, retrospective, open-label and multicenter study was carried out in a cohort of patients with respiratory infection caused by Aspergillus spp. admitted to Spanish ICUs between 2006 and 2012 (months of April, May and June), and included in the ENVIN-HELICS registry (108,244 patients and 825,797 days of ICU stay). Variables independently related to in-hospital mortality were identified by multiple logistic regression analysis. RESULTS A total of 267 patients from 79 of the 198 participating ICUs were included (2.46 cases per 1000 ICU patients and 3.23 episodes per 10,000 days of ICU stay). From a clinical point of view, infections were classified as ventilator-associated pneumonia in 93 cases (34.8%), pneumonia unrelated to mechanical ventilation in 120 cases (44.9%), and tracheobronchitis in 54 cases (20.2%). The study population included older patients (mean 64.8±17.1 years), with a high severity level (APACHE II score 22.03±7.7), clinical diseases (64.8%) and prolonged hospital stay before the identification of Aspergillus spp. (median 11 days), transferred to the ICU mainly from hospital wards (58.1%) and with high ICU (57.3%) and hospital (59.6%) mortality rates, exhibiting important differences depending on the type of infection involved. Independent mortality risk factors were previous admission to a hospital ward (OR=7.08, 95%CI: 3.18-15.76), a history of immunosuppression (OR=2.52, 95%CI: 1.24-5.13) and severe sepsis or septic shock (OR=8.91, 95%CI: 4.24-18.76). CONCLUSIONS Respiratory infections caused by Aspergillus spp. in critically ill patients admitted to the ICU in Spain are infrequent, and affect a very selected group of patients, characterized by high mortality and conditioned by non-modifiable risk factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Álvarez Lerma
- Servicio de Medicina Intensiva, Hospital del Mar, Parc de Salut Mar, Barcelona, España.
| | | | - M Palomar Martínez
- Servicio de Medicina Intensiva, Hospital Arnau de Vilanova, Lleida, España
| | - M Rodríguez Carvajal
- Servicio de Medicina Intensiva, Hospital General de Huelva Juan Ramón Jiménez, Huelva, España
| | - J F Machado Casas
- Servicio de Medicina Intensiva, Complejo Hospitalario de Jaén, Jaén, España
| | - M M Jiménez Quintana
- Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos, Hospital Médico-Quirúrgico Virgen de las Nieves, Granada, España
| | - F Esteve Urbano
- Servicio de Medicina Intensiva, Hospital de Bellvitge, Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, España
| | | | - E Zavala Zegarra
- Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos Quirúrgica, Hospital Clinic i Provincial, IDIBAPS, Barcelona, España
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Shams-Ghahfarokhi M, Aghaei-Gharehbolagh S, Aslani N, Razzaghi-Abyaneh M. Investigation on distribution of airborne fungi in outdoor environment in Tehran, Iran. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SCIENCE & ENGINEERING 2014; 12:54. [PMID: 24588901 PMCID: PMC3974021 DOI: 10.1186/2052-336x-12-54] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2012] [Accepted: 02/26/2014] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Airborne fungi are responsible for the majority of fungal infections in humans and animals. Outdoor air markedly influences the prevalence of fungal spore levels in indoor air and thus, it is the major source of fungal infections in indoor environments especially in hospitalized individuals. METHODS Using a settle plate method, air sampling (1092 air samples from 93 sampling sites in 22 geographic regions of Tehran) was performed by exposing 90 mm settle plates containing Malt extract agar and Potato dextrose agar to the air for 30 min. The plates were incubated at 28°C for 2-3 weeks and examined daily for visible fungal growth. Purified fungal colonies were identified at the genus level based on morphological criteria according to standard methods. RESULTS A total of 6455 colonies belonging to 24 different fungal genera were isolated. Area V situated in the city center was the most contaminated region with 2523 fungal colonies (39.1%), while area IV in the West showed the least contamination rate (636 colonies; 9.8%). Airborne fungi isolated were classified into 4 classes including hyaline Hyphomycetes (53.5%), dematiaceous Hyphomycetes (41.6%), Zygomycetes (2.8%) and Coelomycetes (0.2%). Aspergillus (31.3%) was the most prominent isolated fungus followed by Cladosporium (22.1%), Penicillium (13.8%) and Alternaria (12.2%). CONCLUSION Our results indicate that outdoor air is a potential threat to public health because of harboring a wide array of pathogenic and allergenic airborne fungal spores which can serve as the main source of contamination of indoor environments such as homes, offices and hospitals.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sanaz Aghaei-Gharehbolagh
- Department of Mycology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, 14115-331 Tehran, Iran
| | - Narges Aslani
- Department of Mycology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, 14115-331 Tehran, Iran
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Cluster of Fusarium verticillioides bloodstream infections among immunocompetent patients in an internal medicine department after reconstruction works in Larissa, Central Greece. J Hosp Infect 2014; 86:267-71. [PMID: 24650721 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhin.2014.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2013] [Accepted: 01/28/2014] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fusarium spp. can cause disseminated infections, particularly in immunocompromised patients. Fusarium verticillioides is a human pathogen, and sporadic cases of fusariosis have been reported. AIM To report a nosocomial cluster of F. verticillioides bloodstream infections among seven immunocompetent inpatients following reconstruction works. METHODS Identification was performed using macroscopic and microscopic morphology, and molecular assays (sequencing the nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer region and translation elongation factor-1α gene). Susceptibility testing was performed in accordance with the guidelines of the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute. Environmental surveillance specimens were taken and cultured on Sabouraud dextrose agar plates. FINDINGS In total, 16 blood cultures obtained from the seven patients were positive for F. verticillioides. All surveillance cultures were negative. CONCLUSIONS In order to prevent fungaemia, it is important to implement effective infection control measures, before, during and after demolition and construction activities in healthcare settings.
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Claffey C. The fungus among us: Aspergillus. Nursing 2014; 44:64-65. [PMID: 24346374 DOI: 10.1097/01.nurse.0000438707.66979.1b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Colleen Claffey
- Colleen Claffey is an occupational health nurse at Memorial Regional Hospital in Hollywood, Fla
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Abstract
Conventional disinfection methods are limited by reliance on the operator to ensure appropriate selection, formulation, distribution and contact time of the agent. ‘No-touch’ automated room disinfection (NTD) systems remove or reduce reliance on operators and so they have the potential to improve the efficacy of terminal disinfection. The most commonly used systems are hydrogen peroxide vapour (H2O2 vapour), aerosolised hydrogen peroxide (aHP) and ultraviolet (UV) radiation. These systems have important differences in their active agent, delivery mechanism, efficacy, process time and ease of use. The choice of NTD system should be influenced by the intended application, the evidence base for effectiveness, practicalities of implementation and cost constraints.
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Tobal JM, Balieiro MEDSF. Role of carbonic anhydrases in pathogenic micro-organisms: a focus on Aspergillus fumigatus. J Med Microbiol 2014; 63:15-27. [DOI: 10.1099/jmm.0.064444-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Aspergillus fumigatus is a ubiquitous saprophytic fungus responsible for organic material decomposition, and plays an important role in recycling environmental carbon and nitrogen. Besides its important role in the environment, this fungus has been reported as one of the most important fungal pathogens in immunocompromised patients. Due to changes in CO2 concentration that some pathogens face during the infection process, studies have been undertaken to understand the pathogenic roles of carbonic anhydrases (CAs), well-known CO2 hydration catalytic enzymes. As a basis for a discussion of the possible roles of CAs in A. fumigatus pathogenicity, this review describes the main characteristics of the A. fumigatus infection and the challenges for its treatment. In addition, it gathers findings from studies with CA inhibitor drugs as anti-infective agents in different pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaqueline Moisés Tobal
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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Mattei AS, Madrid IM, Santin R, Schuch LFD, Meireles MCA. In vitro activity of disinfectants against Aspergillus spp. Braz J Microbiol 2013; 44:481-4. [PMID: 24294243 PMCID: PMC3833149 DOI: 10.1590/s1517-83822013000200024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2011] [Accepted: 07/23/2012] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Fungi of the Aspergillus genus are widespread and contaminate the environment. Thousands of conidia are released from each phialide and dispersed in the air every day. These fungi are considered important mycose-causing agents in hospitals. Due to this, research to determine prevalent fungi from the Aspergillus genus in hospital environments, and an adequate disinfection program in these areas is are needed. This study evaluated the susceptibility of Aspergillus spp. isolated from a veterinary environment against four disinfectants. Successive dilutions of disinfectants (log2) were used according to CLSI M38-A2 microdilution technique adapted to chemical agents against 18 isolates of this genus. After 72 hours of incubation, the Minimum Inhibiting Concentration and Minimum Fungicidal Concentration capable of inhibiting 50% and 90% of the isolates were determined. Chlorexidine-cetrimine, benzalconium chloride and a chlorophenol derivative proved to be effective against all isolates with a lower MIC than that suggested by the manufacturer, except for the A. flavus strain. Sodium hypochlorite was ineffective against three A. fumigatus, three A. flavus and one A. niger isolate. These results demonstrated that all studied disinfectants were effective against environmental isolates, with the exception of sodium hypochlorite, which showed lower effectiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- A S Mattei
- Laboratório de Doenças Infecciosas, Setor Micologia, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, RS, Brazil
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Cavallo M, Andreoni S, Martinotti MG, Rinaldi M, Fracchia L. Monitoring environmental Aspergillus spp. contamination and meteorological factors in a haematological unit. Mycopathologia 2013; 176:387-94. [PMID: 24158616 DOI: 10.1007/s11046-013-9712-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2013] [Accepted: 10/09/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The opportunistic pathogens belonging to the Aspergillus genus are present in almost all seasons of the year, and their concentration is related to meteorological conditions. The high density of Aspergillus spp. conidia in a haematological hospital ward may be a significant risk factor for developing invasive fungal diseases in immunocompromised patients. Aim of the present study was to evaluate the variability of airborne Aspergillus spp. conidia contamination in a Haematological Unit (HU) within a period of 16 months in relation with some meteorological parameters. An environmental Aspergillus surveillance was conducted in the HU in four rooms and their bathrooms, in the corridor and in three external sites using an agar impact sampler. During each sampling, temperature and relative humidity at each site were recorded and current wind speed and rainfall events were taken from the official weather service. Aspergillus spp. conidia concentration differed significantly across the sampling sites. Internal Aspergillus spp. loads were significantly dependent on temperature, internal relative humidity and rain. External conidia concentrations were significantly influenced by outdoor temperature and relative humidity. A suitable indicator was introduced to evaluate the seasonal distribution of Aspergillus spp. conidia in the sampling sites, and a significant dependence on this indicator was observed inside the HU. Seventeen different fungal species belonging to the Aspergillus genus were detected during the sampling period. Aspergillus fumigatus was the most frequently isolated species and its distribution depended significantly on the seasonal indicator both inside and outside the hospital ward.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Cavallo
- Dipartimento di Scienze del Farmaco, Università del Piemonte Orientale "A. Avogadro", Largo Donegani 2, 28100, Novara, Italy
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Fernández M, Cattana M, Rojas F, Sosa MDLÁ, Aguirre C, Vergara M, Giusiano G. [Aspergillus species in hospital environments with pediatric patients in critical condition]. Rev Iberoam Micol 2013; 31:176-81. [PMID: 24120420 DOI: 10.1016/j.riam.2013.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2013] [Revised: 07/31/2013] [Accepted: 09/10/2013] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Aspergillus is a group of opportunistic fungi that cause infections, with high morbimortality in immunosuppressed patients. Aspergillus fumigatus is the most frequent species in these infections, although the incidence of other species has increased in the last few years. AIMS To evaluate the air fungal load and the diversity of Aspergillus species in hospitals with pediatric patients in critical condition. METHODS The Intensive Care Unit and Burns Unit of a pediatric hospital were sampled every 15 days during the autumn and spring seasons. The air samples were collected with SAS Super 100(®) and the surface samples were collected by swab method. RESULTS The UFC/m(3) counts found exceeded the acceptable levels. The UFC/m(3) and the diversity of Aspergillus species found in the Intensive Care Unit were higher than those found in the Burns Unit. The fungal load and the diversity of species within the units were higher than those in control environments. The use of both methods -SAS and swab- allowed the detection of a higher diversity of species, with 96 strains of Aspergillus being isolated and 12 species identified. The outstanding findings were Aspergillus sydowii, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus terreus and Aspergillus parasiticus, due to their high frequency. Aspergillus fumigatus, considered unacceptable in indoor environments, was isolated in both units. CONCLUSIONS Aspergillus was present with high frequency in these units. Several species are of interest in public health for being potential pathogenic agents. Air control and monitoring are essential in the prevention of these infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Fernández
- Departamento de Micología, Instituto de Medicina Regional, Universidad Nacional del Nordeste, Resistencia, Argentina.
| | - María Cattana
- Departamento de Micología, Instituto de Medicina Regional, Universidad Nacional del Nordeste, Resistencia, Argentina
| | - Florencia Rojas
- Departamento de Micología, Instituto de Medicina Regional, Universidad Nacional del Nordeste, Resistencia, Argentina
| | - María de Los Ángeles Sosa
- Departamento de Micología, Instituto de Medicina Regional, Universidad Nacional del Nordeste, Resistencia, Argentina
| | | | - Marta Vergara
- Hospital Pediátrico Juan Pablo II, Corrientes, Argentina
| | - Gustavo Giusiano
- Departamento de Micología, Instituto de Medicina Regional, Universidad Nacional del Nordeste, Resistencia, Argentina
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Affiliation(s)
- Evonne T Curran
- NHS National Services Scotland, Health Protection Scotland, Glasgow
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Leleu C, Menotti J, Meneceur P, Choukri F, Sulahian A, Garin YJF, Denis JB, Derouin F. Bayesian development of a dose-response model for Aspergillus fumigatus and invasive aspergillosis. RISK ANALYSIS : AN OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE SOCIETY FOR RISK ANALYSIS 2013; 33:1441-1453. [PMID: 23311627 DOI: 10.1111/risa.12007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Invasive aspergillosis (IA) is a major cause of mortality in immunocompromized hosts, most often consecutive to the inhalation of spores of Aspergillus. However, the relationship between Aspergillus concentration in the air and probability of IA is not quantitatively known. In this study, this relationship was examined in a murine model of IA. Immunosuppressed Balb/c mice were exposed for 60 minutes at day 0 to an aerosol of A. fumigatus spores (Af293 strain). At day 10, IA was assessed in mice by quantitative culture of the lungs and galactomannan dosage. Fifteen separate nebulizations with varying spore concentrations were performed. Rates of IA ranged from 0% to 100% according to spore concentrations. The dose-response relationship between probability of infection and spore exposure was approximated using the exponential model and the more flexible beta-Poisson model. Prior distributions of the parameters of the models were proposed then updated with data in a Bayesian framework. Both models yielded close median dose-responses of the posterior distributions for the main parameter of the model, but with different dispersions, either when the exposure dose was the concentration in the nebulized suspension or was the estimated quantity of spores inhaled by a mouse during the experiment. The median quantity of inhaled spores that infected 50% of mice was estimated at 1.8 × 10(4) and 3.2 × 10(4) viable spores in the exponential and beta-Poisson models, respectively. This study provides dose-response parameters for quantitative assessment of the relationship between airborne exposure to the reference A. fumigatus strain and probability of IA in immunocompromized hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Leleu
- Université Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, EA 3520, Paris, France.
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Aboul-Nasr MB, Zohri ANA, Amer EM. Enzymatic and toxigenic ability of opportunistic fungi contaminating intensive care units and operation rooms at Assiut University Hospitals, Egypt. SPRINGERPLUS 2013; 2:347. [PMID: 23961411 PMCID: PMC3733072 DOI: 10.1186/2193-1801-2-347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2013] [Accepted: 07/26/2013] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Total of 110 isolates belonging to 8 fungal species collected from intensive care units (ICUs) and operation rooms (ORs) at Assiut University hospitals were examined for their ability to produce some extracellular enzymes and mycotoxins which are considered as important factors involved in for fungal pathogenicity. The results revealed that 73, 92 and 78 out of the 110 tested isolates produced protease, lipase and urease respectively; meanwhile, 77 of the tested isolates exhibited some hemolytic activities. Chromatographic analysis (TLC) of the crude extract of the fungal isolates tested revealed that 79 isolates of them had the ability to produce at least one of these mycotoxic compounds (aflatoxins B1, B2, G1, gliotoxin, fumigillin, T-2, zearalenone, roridin A & E, verrucarin A & J, trichoveroids, satratoxin H & E). These results demonstrate that the opportunistic fungal species isolated from (ICUs) and (ORs) and tested exhibited some enzymatic and mycotoxic ability which are the most effective virulence factors contributing to fungal pathogenicity indicating that the management of infection control unit at Assiut University hospitals must be aware of not only bacterial but also fungal contamination.
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124
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Abstract
Cancer patients are frequently immunosuppressed and at risk for a wide range of opportunistic and healthcare-associated infections. A good infection prevention program is extremely important to reduce risk of infection. This review focuses on infection prevention measures specific to patients, healthcare personnel, and visitors in the cancer center.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerri A Thom
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA.
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125
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Pemán J, Salavert M. [Epidemiology and prevention of nosocomial invasive infections by filamentous fungi and yeasts]. Enferm Infecc Microbiol Clin 2013; 31:328-41. [PMID: 23561595 DOI: 10.1016/j.eimc.2013.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2013] [Accepted: 02/05/2013] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Knowledge of the epidemiology of invasive fungal diseases in health care settings helps to establish the action levels necessary for its prevention. A first step is to identify groups of patients at high risk of invasive fungal diseases, establish accurate risk factors, observing the periods of greatest risk, and analyze the epidemiological profile in genera and species, as well as the patterns of antifungal resistance. Secondly, mechanisms to avoid persistent exposure to potential fungal pathogens must be established, protecting areas and recommending measures, such as the control of the quality of the air and water inside and outside the hospital, and determining and promoting appropriate architectural designs of health institutions. Finally, apart from the correct implementation of these measures, the use of antifungal prophylaxis should be considered in selected patients at very high risk, following the guidelines published.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Pemán
- Servicio de Microbiología, Hospital Universitario y Politécnico La Fe, Valencia, Spain.
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126
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Boff C, Zoppas BCDA, Aquino VR, Kuplich NM, Miron D, Pasqualotto AC. The indoor air as a potential determinant of the frequency of invasive aspergillosis in the intensive care. Mycoses 2013; 56:527-31. [PMID: 23565625 DOI: 10.1111/myc.12070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2012] [Revised: 01/18/2013] [Accepted: 02/18/2013] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Invasive aspergillosis (IA) seems to be an emerging condition in intensive care units (ICUs). However, little attention has been given to the role of environmental factors that could increase the risk for IA in the ICU. The objective of this study was to determine the concentration of airborne fungi in three Brazilian ICUs, in an attempt to correlate fungal burden with the frequency of Aspergillus spp isolation from clinical samples of patients hospitalised in these units. During a 1-year period we quantitatively evaluated the presence of fungi in the air of three ICUs in Porto Alegre, Brazil. The quantity of fungi was correlated with environmental factors. Only one of the ICUs studied showed equal concentrations of Aspergillus conidia in the indoor air, in comparison with the outdoor environment. All cases of Aspergillus colonisation and IA cases observed during the study occurred in that particular ICU. Environmental factors have a direct influence on fungal spore concentration in the air in ICUs, as well as air filtration systems in air conditioners. Fungal contamination of the indoor air may influence the frequency of AI in ICU patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristiane Boff
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
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127
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Armadans-Gil L, Rodríguez-Garrido V, Campins-Martí M, Gil-Cuesta J, Vaqué-Rafart J. Particle counting and microbiological air sampling: Results of the simultaneous use of both procedures in different types of hospital rooms. Enferm Infecc Microbiol Clin 2013; 31:217-21. [DOI: 10.1016/j.eimc.2012.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2011] [Revised: 12/22/2011] [Accepted: 01/03/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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128
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Diversity and Distribution Patterns of Airborne Microfungi in Indoor and Outdoor Hospital Environments in Khorramabad, Southwest Iran. Jundishapur J Microbiol 2013. [DOI: 10.5812/jjm.5074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
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129
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Webb B, Blair J, Kusne S, Scott R, Steidley D, Arabia F, Vikram H. Concurrent Pulmonary Aspergillus fumigatus and Mucor Infection in a Cardiac Transplant Recipient: A Case Report. Transplant Proc 2013; 45:792-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2012.03.056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2012] [Accepted: 03/06/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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130
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Hadrich I, Neji S, Drira I, Trabelsi H, Mahfoud N, Ranque S, Makni F, Ayadi A. Microsatellite typing of Aspergillus flavus in patients with various clinical presentations of aspergillosis. Med Mycol 2013; 51:586-91. [PMID: 23336695 DOI: 10.3109/13693786.2012.761359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Aspergillus flavus is the second most important Aspergillus species associated with aspergillosis and the incidence of infections caused by it are increasing in the immunocompromised population. This species is of major epidemiological importance in regions with a dry and hot climate. Despite the growing clinical significance of A. flavus, data on its molecular epidemiology are scarce. This study was aimed at examining whether isolates from distinct genotypes were involved in distinct clinical forms of aspergillosis. Sixty-three clinical isolates of A. flavus recovered from 35 patients with various clinical presentations of aspergillosis were characterized by microsatellite typing. The highest discriminatory power for a single locus was obtained with the AFLA1 marker, which had 14 distinct alleles and a 0.903 D value. The combination of all six markers yielded 48 different genotypes with a 0.994 D value. There was a considerable genetic diversity in the isolates and patients with invasive aspergillosis were usually colonized by multiples genotypes. There was no evidence that a given genotype was associated with a particular clinical presentation of A. flavus aspergillosis. The occurrence of more than one genotype in clinical samples indicates that a patient may be infected by multiple genotypes and that any particular isolate from a clinical specimen may not necessarily be the one causing aspergillosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inès Hadrich
- Laboratoire de biologie moléculaire parasitaire et fongique, Faculté de Médecine de Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia
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131
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Fernstrom A, Goldblatt M. Aerobiology and its role in the transmission of infectious diseases. J Pathog 2013; 2013:493960. [PMID: 23365758 PMCID: PMC3556854 DOI: 10.1155/2013/493960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 167] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2012] [Accepted: 11/02/2012] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Aerobiology plays a fundamental role in the transmission of infectious diseases. As infectious disease and infection control practitioners continue employing contemporary techniques (e.g., computational fluid dynamics to study particle flow, polymerase chain reaction methodologies to quantify particle concentrations in various settings, and epidemiology to track the spread of disease), the central variables affecting the airborne transmission of pathogens are becoming better known. This paper reviews many of these aerobiological variables (e.g., particle size, particle type, the duration that particles can remain airborne, the distance that particles can travel, and meteorological and environmental factors), as well as the common origins of these infectious particles. We then review several real-world settings with known difficulties controlling the airborne transmission of infectious particles (e.g., office buildings, healthcare facilities, and commercial airplanes), while detailing the respective measures each of these industries is undertaking in its effort to ameliorate the transmission of airborne infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron Fernstrom
- Mid-Atlantic Venture Investment Company, LLC, Washington, DC 20009, USA
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132
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Cunat L, Ahmed-Lecheheb D, Hartemann P, Hunter PR, Hautemanière A. Emergence of hand contamination with Aspergillus during demolition work. Am J Infect Control 2013; 41:83-5. [PMID: 22749129 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajic.2012.01.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2010] [Revised: 01/31/2012] [Accepted: 01/31/2012] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Hand rubbing with hydro-alcoholic solutions prevent the exogenous nosocomial infection, but the hydro-alcoholic solutions were not sporicidal. A major program of demolition was organized on the area of the University Hospital of Nancy (France) between 2007 and 2010, and this period is often considered as a possible source of suspending Aspergillus spores. This study shows the emergence of Aspergillus on the hands of the medical students during demolition period despite the same quality of hand hygiene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisiane Cunat
- Department of Public Health and Environment, School of Medicine, Lorraine University, Nancy, France
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133
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Chai X, Yu S, Jiang Y, Zou Y, Wu Q, Zhang D, Jiang Y, Cao Y, Sun Q. Design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of novel 1, 2, 4-triazole derivatives as antifungal agent. Arch Pharm Res 2012; 35:1895-901. [DOI: 10.1007/s12272-012-1105-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2012] [Revised: 06/14/2012] [Accepted: 06/25/2012] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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134
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Du C, Wingard JR, Cheng S, Nguyen MH, Clancy CJ. Serum IgG Responses against Aspergillus Proteins before Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation or Chemotherapy Identify Patients Who Develop Invasive Aspergillosis. Biol Blood Marrow Transplant 2012; 18:1927-34. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbmt.2012.07.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2012] [Accepted: 07/18/2012] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
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135
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Otter JA, Yezli S, Perl TM, Barbut F, French GL. The role of 'no-touch' automated room disinfection systems in infection prevention and control. J Hosp Infect 2012. [PMID: 23195691 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhin.2012.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Surface contamination in hospitals is involved in the transmission of pathogens in a proportion of healthcare-associated infections. Admission to a room previously occupied by a patient colonized or infected with certain nosocomial pathogens increases the risk of acquisition by subsequent occupants; thus, there is a need to improve terminal disinfection of these patient rooms. Conventional disinfection methods may be limited by reliance on the operator to ensure appropriate selection, formulation, distribution and contact time of the agent. These problems can be reduced by the use of 'no-touch' automated room disinfection (NTD) systems. AIM To summarize published data related to NTD systems. METHODS Pubmed searches for relevant articles. FINDINGS A number of NTD systems have emerged, which remove or reduce reliance on the operator to ensure distribution, contact time and process repeatability, and aim to improve the level of disinfection and thus mitigate the increased risk from the prior room occupant. Available NTD systems include hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)) vapour systems, aerosolized hydrogen peroxide (aHP) and ultraviolet radiation. These systems have important differences in their active agent, delivery mechanism, efficacy, process time and ease of use. Typically, there is a trade-off between time and effectiveness among NTD systems. The choice of NTD system should be influenced by the intended application, the evidence base for effectiveness, practicalities of implementation and cost constraints. CONCLUSION NTD systems are gaining acceptance as a useful tool for infection prevention and control.
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Affiliation(s)
- J A Otter
- Centre for Clinical Infection and Diagnostics Research, CIDR, Department of Infectious Diseases, King's College London, School of Medicine and Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, UK.
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136
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Leleu C, Menotti J, Meneceur P, Choukri F, Sulahian A, Garin YJF, Derouin F. Efficacy of liposomal amphotericin B for prophylaxis of acute or reactivation models of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis. Mycoses 2012; 56:241-9. [DOI: 10.1111/myc.12011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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137
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[Quantitative assessment of fungal risk in the case of construction works in healthcare establishments: Proposed indicators for the determination of the impact of management precautions on the risk of fungal infection]. J Mycol Med 2012. [PMID: 23177816 DOI: 10.1016/j.mycmed.2012.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Construction works in healthcare establishments produce airborne fungal spores and considerably increase the risk of exposure of immunosuppressed patients. It is necessary to reinforce protective measures, or even to implement specific precautions, during this critical phase. The aim of these precautions is to protect both those areas, which are susceptible to dust, and patients at risk of a fungal infection particularly invasive aspergillosis. When construction works are planned in healthcare establishments, the first step consists in the characterisation of the environmental fungal risk and the second one in proposing risk management methods. It is then essential to establish impact indicators in order to evaluate the risk management precautions applied. The working group promoted by the French societies of medical mycology and hospital hygiene (SFMM & SF2H) details here both environmental and epidemiological impact indicators that can be used.
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138
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Ross B, Hansen D, Lieske T, Krude J, Saner F, Marggraf G, Paul A, Jakob HG, Popp W. Refurbishment works in a hospital during normal operation. GMS KRANKENHAUSHYGIENE INTERDISZIPLINAR 2012; 6:Doc11. [PMID: 22242092 PMCID: PMC3252655 DOI: 10.3205/dgkh000168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Construction and renovation work in hospitals pose risks of fungal airborne infections for immunosuppressed patients. If possible, reconstruction work will be postponed to periods without patient treatment. However, in many situations urgent damage demands immediate refurbishment works before the transferring of patients to other wards or closure of wards is possible. Reported here are infection control related measures and implemented procedures after two incidents of water damage which occurred on a surgical ward and an intensive care unit at the University hospital of Essen. METHODS Between January and April 2009 and between September and October 2009, respectively, concentration of air-borne particles and number of viable fungi were measured at two surgical wards and one ICU. Preventive Infection Control Measures included erection of protective walls and HEPA filtration of air from the renovation area. RESULTS During the renovation work on the surgical ward concentrations of moulds and particles ≥5 µm were significantly higher on the left side of the renovation area than on the right side (p=0.036 and p<0.001). Concentrations of particles ≥1 µm and particles ≥5 µm on both sides of the renovation area were significantly increased when compared with the control ward on the same floor but not when compared with the control ward on the other floor. Particles of all size were significantly elevated on the ICU during the renovation work. Aspergillus fumigatus could neither be cultured of the air of cardiac surgery intensive care unit nor of the intermediate care unit (control ward). During renovation works there was no nosocomial mould infection of patients treated on the two wards. CONCLUSION Provided that the renovation area is tightly insulated from the areas of patient care on a ward, closure does not seem to be necessary during renovation works because variation of airborne fungi is similar to that of outdoor or control air. However a multidisciplinary team should be established. This team should perform risk assessment and determine necessary protective measures before starting any construction, renovation or maintenance work in health care settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Birgit Ross
- Krankenhaushygiene, Universitätsklinikum Essen, Essen, Germany
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139
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Pelaez T, Munoz P, Guinea J, Valerio M, Giannella M, Klaassen CHW, Bouza E. Outbreak of Invasive Aspergillosis After Major Heart Surgery Caused by Spores in the Air of the Intensive Care Unit. Clin Infect Dis 2012; 54:e24-31. [DOI: 10.1093/cid/cir771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
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140
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Olarte RA, Horn BW, Dorner JW, Monacell JT, Singh R, Stone EA, Carbone I. Effect of sexual recombination on population diversity in aflatoxin production by Aspergillus flavus and evidence for cryptic heterokaryosis. Mol Ecol 2011; 21:1453-76. [PMID: 22212063 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-294x.2011.05398.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Aspergillus flavus is the major producer of carcinogenic aflatoxins (AFs) in crops worldwide. Natural populations of A. flavus show tremendous variation in AF production, some of which can be attributed to environmental conditions, differential regulation of the AF biosynthetic pathway and deletions or loss-of-function mutations in the AF gene cluster. Understanding the evolutionary processes that generate genetic diversity in A. flavus may also explain quantitative differences in aflatoxigenicity. Several population studies using multilocus genealogical approaches provide indirect evidence of recombination in the genome and specifically in the AF gene cluster. More recently, A. flavus has been shown to be functionally heterothallic and capable of sexual reproduction in laboratory crosses. In the present study, we characterize the progeny from nine A. flavus crosses using toxin phenotype assays, DNA sequence-based markers and array comparative genome hybridization. We show high AF heritability linked to genetic variation in the AF gene cluster, as well as recombination through the independent assortment of chromosomes and through crossing over within the AF cluster that coincides with inferred recombination blocks and hotspots in natural populations. Moreover, the vertical transmission of cryptic alleles indicates that while an A. flavus deletion strain is predominantly homokaryotic, it may harbour AF cluster genes at a low copy number. Results from experimental matings indicate that sexual recombination is driving genetic and functional hyperdiversity in A. flavus. The results of this study have significant implications for managing AF contamination of crops and for improving biocontrol strategies using nonaflatoxigenic strains of A. flavus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo A Olarte
- Department of Plant Pathology, Center for Integrated Fungal Research, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA
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141
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Etienne K, Subudhi C, Chadwick P, Settle P, Moise J, Magill S, Chiller T, Balajee S. Investigation of a cluster of cutaneous aspergillosis in a neonatal intensive care unit. J Hosp Infect 2011; 79:344-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jhin.2011.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2010] [Accepted: 06/21/2011] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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142
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A survey on distribution and toxigenicity of Aspergillus flavus from indoor and outdoor hospital environments. Folia Microbiol (Praha) 2011; 56:527-34. [DOI: 10.1007/s12223-011-0078-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2011] [Accepted: 10/13/2011] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
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143
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Berger J, Willinger B, Diab-Elschahawi M, Blacky A, Kalhs P, Koller W, Assadian O, Aichberger KJ. Effectiveness of preventive measures for hemato-oncologic patients undergoing stem cell transplantation during a period of hospital construction. Am J Infect Control 2011; 39:746-51. [PMID: 21704432 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajic.2011.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2010] [Revised: 01/25/2011] [Accepted: 01/25/2011] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Aspergillus spp are ubiquitous spore-forming fungi. Construction work, renovation, demolition, or excavation activities within a hospital or in surrounding areas increase the risk for aspergillus infection in susceptible patients and are the main cause of nosocomial aspergillus outbreaks. METHODS We investigated the efficacy of infection control measures on the frequency of fungal infection among hemato-oncologic patients undergoing stem cell transplantation during excavation and construction work of an adjacent hospital building. Clinical isolates from these patients obtained before and during the excavation and construction period were analyzed. Preventive measures consisted in the implementation of a multibarrier concept to protect these patients from fungal infection. RESULTS There was no record of any clinical isolate of Aspergillus spp in the observation period before the beginning of the groundwork. However, 3 clinically significant isolates of Aspergillus spp were detected in respiratory tract specimen of 2 patients after the beginning of excavation and demolition work, which were found to be community acquired. CONCLUSION Although our data cannot demonstrate the efficacy of infection control measures during construction work, it can be concluded that excavation work close to immunocompromised patients is safe if a bundle of preventive measures is implemented before groundwork.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jutta Berger
- Division of Hospital Hygiene, Clinical Institute for Hygiene and Medical Microbiology, Medical University Vienna, Austria
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144
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Molecular detection and species-specific identification of medically important Aspergillus species by real-time PCR in experimental invasive pulmonary aspergillosis. J Clin Microbiol 2011; 49:4150-7. [PMID: 21976757 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.00570-11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Diagnosis of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) remains a major challenge to clinical microbiology laboratories. We developed rapid and sensitive quantitative PCR (qPCR) assays for genus- and species-specific identification of Aspergillus infections by use of TaqMan technology. In order to validate these assays and understand their potential diagnostic utility, we then performed a blinded study of bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid specimens from well-characterized models of IPA with the four medically important species. A set of real-time qPCR primers and probes was developed by utilizing unique ITS1 regions for genus- and species-specific detection of the four most common medically important Aspergillus species (Aspergillus fumigatus, A. flavus, A. niger, and A. terreus). Pan-Aspergillus and species-specific qPCRs with BAL fluid were more sensitive than culture for detection of IPA caused by A. fumigatus in untreated (P < 0.0007) and treated (P ≤ 0.008) animals, respectively. For infections caused by A. terreus and A. niger, culture and PCR amplification from BAL fluid yielded similar sensitivities for untreated and treated animals. Pan-Aspergillus PCR was more sensitive than culture for detection of A. flavus in treated animals (P = 0.002). BAL fluid pan-Aspergillus and species-specific PCRs were comparable in sensitivity to BAL fluid galactomannan (GM) assay. The copy numbers from the qPCR assays correlated with quantitative cultures to determine the pulmonary residual fungal burdens in lung tissue. Pan-Aspergillus and species-specific qPCR assays may improve the rapid and accurate identification of IPA in immunocompromised patients.
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145
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146
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Abstract
Despite the availability of various classes of antimycotics, the treatment of patients with systemic fungal infections is challenging. Therefore the development of new antifungals is urgently required. Promising new antifungal candidates are antimicrobial peptides. In the present review, we provide an overview of antifungal peptides isolated from plants, insects, amphibians and mammals that induce apoptosis. Their antifungal spectrum, mode of action and toxicity are discussed in more detail.
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147
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A cluster of mucormycosis infections in hematology patients: challenges in investigation and control of invasive mold infections in high-risk patient populations. Diagn Microbiol Infect Dis 2011; 71:72-80. [DOI: 10.1016/j.diagmicrobio.2010.12.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2010] [Revised: 12/08/2010] [Accepted: 12/20/2010] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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148
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Molecular epidemiology of Aspergillus fumigatus: an in-depth genotypic analysis of isolates involved in an outbreak of invasive aspergillosis. J Clin Microbiol 2011; 49:3498-503. [PMID: 21832010 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.01159-11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
We recently reported an outbreak of invasive aspergillosis in the major heart surgery unit of Hospital Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain (T. Peláez, P. Muñoz, J. Guinea, M. Valerio, M. Giannella, C. H. W. Klaassen, and E. Bouza, Clin. Infect. Dis., in press). Aspergillus fumigatus was isolated from clinical samples from 10 patients admitted to the unit during the outbreak period (surgical wound invasive aspergillosis, n = 2; probable pulmonary invasive aspergillosis, n = 4; colonization, n = 4). In the study described here, we have studied the genotypic diversity of the A. fumigatus isolates found in the air and clinical samples. We used short tandem repeats of A. fumigatus (STRAf) typing to analyze the genotypes found in the 168 available A. fumigatus isolates collected from the clinical samples (n = 109) from the patients and from the environmental samples taken from the air of the unit (n = 59). The genotypic variability of A. fumigatus was higher in environmental than in clinical samples. Intrasample variability was also higher in environmental than in clinical samples: 2 or more different genotypes were found in 26% and 89% of clinical and environmental samples, respectively. We found matches between environmental and clinical isolates in 3 of the 10 patients: 1 patient with postsurgical invasive aspergillosis and 2 patients with probable pulmonary invasive aspergillosis. A total of 7 genotypes from 3 different patients and the air grouped together in 2 clusters. Clonally related genotypes and microvariants were detected in both clinical and environmental samples. STRAf typing proved to be a valuable tool for identifying the source of invasive aspergillosis outbreaks and for studying the genotypic diversity of clinical and environmental A. fumigatus isolates.
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149
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Mucormycosis caused by unusual mucormycetes, non-Rhizopus, -Mucor, and -Lichtheimia species. Clin Microbiol Rev 2011; 24:411-45. [PMID: 21482731 DOI: 10.1128/cmr.00056-10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 269] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Rhizopus, Mucor, and Lichtheimia (formerly Absidia) species are the most common members of the order Mucorales that cause mucormycosis, accounting for 70 to 80% of all cases. In contrast, Cunninghamella, Apophysomyces, Saksenaea, Rhizomucor, Cokeromyces, Actinomucor, and Syncephalastrum species individually are responsible for fewer than 1 to 5% of reported cases of mucormycosis. In this review, we provide an overview of the epidemiology, clinical manifestations, diagnosis of, treatment of, and prognosis for unusual Mucormycetes infections (non-Rhizopus, -Mucor, and -Lichtheimia species). The infections caused by these less frequent members of the order Mucorales frequently differ in their epidemiology, geographic distribution, and disease manifestations. Cunninghamella bertholletiae and Rhizomucor pusillus affect primarily immunocompromised hosts, mostly resulting from spore inhalation, causing pulmonary and disseminated infections with high mortality rates. R. pusillus infections are nosocomial or health care related in a large proportion of cases. While Apophysomyces elegans and Saksenaea vasiformis are occasionally responsible for infections in immunocompromised individuals, most cases are encountered in immunocompetent individuals as a result of trauma, leading to soft tissue infections with relatively low mortality rates. Increased knowledge of the epidemiology and clinical presentations of these unusual Mucormycetes infections may improve early diagnosis and treatment.
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Checinska A, Fruth IA, Green TL, Crawford RL, Paszczynski AJ. Sterilization of biological pathogens using supercritical fluid carbon dioxide containing water and hydrogen peroxide. J Microbiol Methods 2011; 87:70-5. [PMID: 21787810 DOI: 10.1016/j.mimet.2011.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2011] [Revised: 07/10/2011] [Accepted: 07/10/2011] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Novel noninvasive techniques for the removal of biological contaminants to generate clean or sterile materials are in demand by the medical, pharmaceutical and food industries. The sterilization method described here uses supercritical fluid carbon dioxide (SF-CO(2)) containing 3.3% water and 0.1% hydrogen peroxide (v/v/v) to achieve from four to eight log viability reduction of all tested microbial species, including vegetative cells, spores and biofilms. The sterilization method employs moderate pressure and temperature (80 atm, 50°C) and a short (30-minute) treatment time. The procedure kills various opportunistic pathogens that often persist in biofilm structures, fungal spores commonly associated with nosocomial infections, and Bacillus pumilus SAFR-032 endospores that are notoriously hard to eradicate by conventional sterilization techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra Checinska
- Environmental Biotechnology Institute, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID 83844, USA.
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