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Prevalence of fungi and their antifungal and disinfectant resistance in hospital environments: insights into combating nosocomial mycoses

Summary

This study examined fungal contamination in hospital intensive care units, finding that Aspergillus and other mold species are commonly present in air and ventilation systems. Importantly, many of these fungi have developed resistance to antifungal medications and hospital disinfectants, making them harder to treat and control. The researchers discovered that the same resistant fungi found in hospitals are similar to those infecting patients, suggesting that hospital environments may be spreading these dangerous infections.

Background

Fungal infections are increasingly recognized as a significant global health concern in hospital settings, contributing to considerable morbidity and mortality among vulnerable patients. Aspergillus and Mucorales species are major causative agents of invasive fungal diseases (IFDs) with high mortality rates. Hospital environments may serve as reservoirs for these pathogenic fungi.

Objective

This study investigated the presence and diversity of fungal species in hospital environments, assessed their susceptibility to antifungal agents and disinfectants, and compared resistance profiles between environmental and clinical isolates to understand the role of hospital environments in nosocomial fungal infection transmission.

Results

Fungi were detected in 45% of air samples and 100% of exhaust vent samples, with Aspergillus species being most common. Aspergillus spp. and Rhizopus spp. showed high resistance to Amphotericin B, and considerable proportions exhibited simultaneous resistance to disinfectants. Similar antifungal resistance profiles were noted between A. flavus and some R. arrhizus isolates from both environmental and clinical samples.

Conclusion

Hospital environments, particularly exhaust vents, may act as significant reservoirs for causative agents of IFDs. Environmental surveillance is essential for preventing and controlling nosocomial fungal infections. Development of more potent disinfectants and further research on fungal resistance mechanisms are urgently needed.
  • Published in:Antimicrobial Resistance and Infection Control,
  • Study Type:Cross-sectional Environmental Surveillance Study,
  • Source: PMID: 40269983, DOI: 10.1186/s13756-025-01558-x
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