Guidelines for the prevention of invasive mould diseases caused by filamentous fungi by the Spanish Society of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology (SEIMC)

Abstract

Invasive fungal infections (IFIs) caused by filamentous fungi still have high rates of mortality, associated with difficulties in early detection of the infection and therapeutic limitations. Consequently, a useful approach is to prevent patients at risk of fungal infection from coming into contact with conidia of Aspergillus and other mould species. This document describes the recommendations for preventing IFI caused by filamentous fungi worked out by Spanish experts from different medical and professional fields. The article reviews the incidence of IFI in different risk populations, and questions related to environmental measures for prevention, control of hospital infections, additional procedures for prevention, prevention of IFI outside of hospital facilities and antifungal prophylaxis are also analysed.

Seven-year surveillance of nosocomial invasive aspergillosis in a French University Hospital

“…is an ubiquitous environmental fungus, preventive measures outside hospitals may have multiple objects including patient's home, environment, diet and activities. 9,24,36 For instance, patients should avoid staying in places where the number of conidia is greater than usual, and practicing activities such as gardening, mowing or vacuuming. They should also wear appropriate masks when needed.…”

“…This prospective study includes all proven and probable IA that occurred in patients hospitalized for more than 24 26,27 The revision of these criteria, that took place in 2008, did not change our patient classification and the number of patients diagnosed. Indeed, we retrospectively checked that no patient was included on the basis of the sole modified criteria, and possible IA cases were excluded.…”

Assessment of microbiological air quality in hemato-oncology units and its relationship with the occurrence of invasive fungal infections: an integrative review

“…This recommendation is justifi ed by evidence that concentrations as low as 1 CFU/m³ can cause infection in high-risk patients. However, it has also been suggested that studies be conducted at individual centers to fi rst determine the normal concentrations and then detect signifi cant increases 8 .…”

“…The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends air fi ltration using high-effi ciency particulate air (HEPA) fi lters 7 . The Spanish Society of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology (SEIMC) 8 also recommends that places designated as a protective environment be separated from the rest of the hospital and have a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system with a HEPA fi lter that completes at least 12 full exchanges of air per hour 8 .…”

Voriconazole and its clinical potential in the prophylaxis of systemic fungal infection in patients with hematologic malignancies: a perspective review

“…In a recent survey, zygomycosis was responsible for 8% of all mold infections in the transplant population [Barberán et al 2011;Cornely et al 2011;Ruiz-Camps et al 2011]. Zygomycosis is currently considered the second most common invasive mold infection after aspergillosis and its incidence appears to be increasing among SCT recipients [Böhme et al 1995;Ruping et al 2008b].…”