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Brief Report: Distribution of the Genus Aspergillus in Hospital Room Air Conditioners

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 January 2015

Robert M. Wadowsky  and
Susan M. Benner
Robert M. Wadowsky*
Affiliation:
Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, and Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, and Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Susan M. Benner
Affiliation:
Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, and Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, and Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
*
Department of Pathology, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, One Children's Place, 3705 Fifth Avenue at De Soto Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15213
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Extract

Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus fumigatus are important causes of invasive, often fatal, fungal disease in immuno-compromised patients. Sources of aspergilli for hospitalized patients may include window air conditioners, fireproofing materials, dust accumulated above false ceilings and acoustical ceiling tiles, and improperly functioning central ventilation systems. Renovation and construction projects, movement of heavy equipment, and demolition of nearby buildings often occur in or near hospitals. These events may aerosolize dust and soil laden with Aspergillus spores. Immunocompromised patients may acquire invasive aspergillosis in the hospital by inhalation of spores or by direct contact with contaminated intravenous arm boards. We have recently recognized the occurrence of invasive aspergillosis in an area of our hospital that does not contain false ceilings or a central ventilation system. All of the patient rooms in this area contain air conditioners that are attached to ceilings rather than windows, recirculating room air rather than drawing air in from the outside.

Type
Original Articles
Information
Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology , Volume 8 , Issue 12 , December 1987 , pp. 516 - 518
Copyright
Copyright © The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America 1987

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