Fungi als oorzaak van kruisinfecties in het ziekenhuis

A large variety of yeasts and molds have been reported to cause exogenous and endogenous nosocomial infections. The review is principally directed to exogenous infections caused by Aspergillus and Candida species. Construction work (including work in central diagnostic departments) seems to be the main source of nosocomial Aspergillus infections, but malfunctioning ventilation systems and direct contact with comtaminated subjects were furthermore reported as the cause of infection. The spread of zygomycetes (Mucor, Rhizopus, Absidia and Rhizomucor) spores is identical to that of Aspergillus spores; via air and direct contact. Transmission of Candida species via hands of HCWs is frequently reported. Examples hereof and of epidemics caused by contaminated medical equipment and parenteral solutions are reviewed.