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Isolation and identification of Fusarium species from the water systems of ICUs and transplant wards of hospitals and determination of the in vitro susceptibilities of isolates to conventional antifungals

Summary

Researchers found dangerous Fusarium fungal species in water systems of hospital ICU wards in Tehran, Iran. These fungi can spread through water fixtures and pose serious risks to patients with weak immune systems. Testing showed that certain antifungal drugs like posaconazole and voriconazole worked well against these fungi, but other drugs were less effective. The study emphasizes the importance of better water management and safety measures in hospitals to protect vulnerable patients.

Background

Fusarium species in hospital water systems pose a severe threat to immunocompromised patients in intensive care units and transplant wards. These fungi can persist in water systems and become aerosolized through fixtures like faucets and showers, potentially causing invasive infections. Limited data exists on the prevalence of Fusarium in hospital water systems and their antifungal susceptibility patterns.

Objective

To isolate and identify Fusarium species from water systems in ICUs and transplant wards at two Tehran hospitals, and to determine the in vitro susceptibilities of isolated strains to conventional antifungal agents including voriconazole, itraconazole, posaconazole, caspofungin, and amphotericin B.

Results

Fusarium species were recovered from 6 out of 362 water samples (1.65%), with five identified as Fusarium oxysporum and one as Fusarium proliferatum. All isolates came from sinks and faucets at Imam Khomeini Hospital. Posaconazole, voriconazole, and amphotericin B demonstrated the strongest activity against all isolates with no resistance observed, while itraconazole and caspofungin showed non-wild-type susceptibility patterns.

Conclusion

The isolation of pathogenic Fusarium species from hospital water systems emphasizes the urgent need for implementing effective control and prevention measures to protect immunocompromised patients. Enhanced water management, regular monitoring, and isolation precautions including HEPA filtration are recommended for high-risk patients. Future studies with larger sample sizes and epidemiological approaches are needed to establish clinical relevance of environmental isolates.
  • Published in:Fungal Biology (Frontiers in Fungal Biology),
  • Study Type:Descriptive Cross-sectional Study,
  • Source: PMID: 40438649, DOI: 10.3389/ffunb.2025.1564237
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