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Nosocomial Fungal Infection During Hospital Renovation

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 January 2015

Keith Krasinski ,
Robert S. Holzman ,
Bruce Hanna ,
M. Alba Greco ,
Michael Graff  and
Madhu Bhogal
Keith Krasinski*
Affiliation:
Department of Pediatrics, Medicine, and Pathology, New York University Medical Center, Bellevue Hospital Center, New York, New York
Robert S. Holzman
Affiliation:
Department of Pediatrics, Medicine, and Pathology, New York University Medical Center, Bellevue Hospital Center, New York, New York
Bruce Hanna
Affiliation:
Department of Pediatrics, Medicine, and Pathology, New York University Medical Center, Bellevue Hospital Center, New York, New York
M. Alba Greco
Affiliation:
Department of Pediatrics, Medicine, and Pathology, New York University Medical Center, Bellevue Hospital Center, New York, New York
Michael Graff
Affiliation:
Department of Pediatrics, Medicine, and Pathology, New York University Medical Center, Bellevue Hospital Center, New York, New York
Madhu Bhogal
Affiliation:
Department of Pediatrics, Medicine, and Pathology, New York University Medical Center, Bellevue Hospital Center, New York, New York
*
Department of Pediatrics, New York University Medical Center, 550 First Avenue, New York, NY 10016
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Abstract

Nosocomial fungal pulmonary infections (Zygomycetes, Aspergillus sp.) developed in two premature infants in a special care unit (SCU) adjacent to an area of renovation. Inspection showed that inadequate barriers permitted the passage of airborne particles between the two areas, and cultures confirmed a significantly higher (p≤0.05) density of mold spores in the SCU (0.88 cfu per hour per settling plate) compared to a construction-free comparison area (0.22 cfu per hour per settling plate). The major source of mold was the dust above the hospital's false ceiling. In another construction area, impervious barriers were shown to effectively restrict the dispersal of mold. Our experience adds Rhizopus to Aspergillus as a possible cause of construction-related nosocomial infection. Sporadic episodes will continue to occur until the hazards of renovation are appreciated and effective preventive measures are routinely instituted.

Type
Original Articles
Information
Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology , Volume 6 , Issue 7 , July 1985 , pp. 278 - 282
Copyright
Copyright © The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America 1985

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