Punctual Fungal Monitoring of Environment Surfaces in an Intensive Care Unit

Abstract

Nosocomial fungal infections could arise from exposure to spores or filamentous fungi existing in the hospital environment.

The present study aimed to investigate the quality of surfaces in an intensive care unit, to ascertain their potential contribution to fungal infection in the hospital.

In the morning of May 28, 2017 punctual samples were taken from surfaces by moistened sterile swabs and were inoculated on Sabouraud dextrose agar and Malt extract agar.

Qualitative evaluation of moulds was based on the microscopic view and morphological features of colonies; identification of yeasts was based on routine biochemical tests (Auxacolor©-Bio-Rad).

Out of 100 samples taken from surfaces, 24 (24%) were positive for fungal presence, divided into moulds (75%) and yeasts (25%), the identified strains belonged to 9 genera, most frequently to Aspergillus, Candida, Mucor, Cladosporium, Penicillium and Trichosporon, the most predominant fungi encountered is Aspergillus niger (25%)

In conclusion, to achieve our professional service and provide a safe environment for patients, punctual fungal monitoring needs to be done consistently.