A Pseudo-outbreak of Aspergillosis at a Tertiary Care Hospital: Thinking Beyond the Infection Control Risk Assessment

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol. 2017 Jan;38(1):115-118. doi: 10.1017/ice.2016.220. Epub 2016 Oct 11.

Abstract

In the modern era of carefully monitored renovations, construction-related Aspergillus outbreaks have decreased. We investigated an increase in clinical cultures growing Aspergillus species, determining that contamination of the mycology lab caused a pseudo-outbreak. A major construction site was appropriately sealed, but unrecognized staff traffic may have facilitated laboratory contamination. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2016;1-4.

MeSH terms

  • Air Microbiology*
  • Aspergillosis / epidemiology*
  • Aspergillus / isolation & purification
  • Cross Infection / epidemiology*
  • Disease Outbreaks
  • Equipment Contamination*
  • Hospital Design and Construction
  • Humans
  • Infection Control / methods
  • Maryland
  • Risk Assessment
  • Tertiary Care Centers