Hospital building work increases risk of Aspergillus infection for at-risk patients

Submitted by HLeSueur on 21 April 2016

 New guidelines suggest that greater measures should be taken to protect the growing numbers of patients at risk of acquiring Aspergillus infection  from hospital building works

 It is widely accepted that invasive aspergillosis can be linked to demolition, excavation, construction and refurbishment activities within or close to  hospital sites. Indeed, better understanding of aspergillus infection has resulted in a reduction in the incidence and mortality in high-risk  populations, such as prolonged neutropenia and haematopoietic stem cell transplantation. However, recent data has identified a much wider at-risk  group that previously recognised, including those with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, burns, chronic granulomatous disorder, cystic  fibrosis, neonates, and also some patients not typically regarded as immune-compromised.

The HPSC Scientific Advisory Committee has recently published draft national guidelines for the prevention  of Nosocomial Aspergillosis. The committee suggests that although preventative measures will depend on the type of construction taking place; at-risk patients may need to be transferred to another part of the hospital when major construction works take place. The report also recommends that consideration should be given to prescribing antifungal drug prophylaxis in selected patients.