Hospital-acquired aspergillosis

Construction is the major cause
Filters not working, leaks in windows
A. fumigatus most common, followed by A. flavus
Patient risk factors are mainly to do with immunocompromise, especially HSCT
Protection
- HEPA filter
- Regular environmental cleaning
- Fungicide in the contruction material
- Getting rid of carpeting and upholstered furniture
- HSCT patients need negative pressure room, and need to wear masks outside of their room
Contruction projects risk assessment
- Project type A through D with increasing amount of dust and risk of aspergillosis
- Also depends on patient area, from offices (low risk) to ICU (high risk)