Environmental resistance and natural reservoirs of medically significant yeasts
Blaschke-Hellmessen, R.; Kreuz, M.; Sprung, M.
Zeitschrift für die Gesamte Hygiene und Ihre Grenzgebiete 31(12): 712-715
1985
ISSN/ISBN: 0049-8610 PMID: 4096044 Document Number: 249207
The behaviour of medically significant yeasts of the genera Candida, Cryptococcus, Rhodotorula and some other species adhering to different dry surfaces was examined under environmental conditions in dependence on their species, their quantity of contamination, the nature of their carriers, their suspension mediums, the temperatures and humidity of the atmosphere during their starvation and the intensity of the skylight. Besides the NaCl-tolerance of the yeasts was determined as an indicator for their dry-resistance. The investigations revealed that yeasts dried on surfaces were full of vitality for a long time, respectively. The yeasts prefered different humidities of the atmosphere according to their natural reservoirs. The protective effect of protein containing substrates on the surviving of yeasts could be confirmed. The surviving time was prolonged by a diminution of temperature during their storage. Skylight shortened the time of mortality in comparison with storage in darkness.-The survival time was depending on the species of yeasts. Ubiquiteous occurring species were more resistant against dryness and possessed a NaCl-tolerance of a higher level, for example. Candida parapsilosis, Rhodotorula rubra and Cryptococcus species, than commensals of mucous membranes, for example Candida albicans.-Nosocomial mycotic infections have to be prevented in medical, and outdoor departments by a consequent management of purification, disinfection and sterlization.