Links between risks of aspergillosis and environmental contamination. Review of the literature
Nolard, N.
Pathologie-Biologie 42(7): 706-710
1994
ISSN/ISBN: 0369-8114 PMID: 7877866 Document Number: 434431
An increasing number of nosocomial invasive aspergilloses is related with the development of new therapies and to Aspergillus spores in the vicinity of the patient. The infiltration of thermophilic fungal spores in the patients' environment is linked not only with contaminated air systems but also to different other factors among which earth moving, demolition or renovation works adjacent to or inside the hospital. Potted plants and individual sachets of ground pepper distributed to patients are another source of Aspergillus spores. To limit fungal exposure, patients undergoing bone marrow transplant should be isolated under laminar flow while simple procedures such as taping windows and doors, shutting down air systems and mycological environmental control measures should be encouraged to protect immunocompromised patients.