[Qualitative fungal composition of services at risk of nosocomial infections at Aristide Le Dantec Hospital (Dakar)]

Abstract

Introduction: In hospitals, the quality control of the air is a key element. Indeed airborne fungi constitute a real danger for patients hospitalized in wards at risk of nosocomial infections especially when they are immunocompromised.

Objectives: The objective was to determine the qualitative fungal flora composition of wards at risk of nosocomial infections at Le Dantec teaching hospital.

Materials and methods: Between April and May 2013, 73 samples were collected from 45 compartments within seven services at risk of nosocomial infection at Aristide Le Dantec teaching Hospital (Dakar). Samples were made once by sedimentation method and the percentage of positive cultures was 100%. The most represented species were Cladosporium spp. (91.1%), Aspergillus spp. (86.6%), Penicillium spp. 71.1% and Candida spp. (57.7%). Candida albicans and Aspergillus fumigatus were isolated respectively at 15.5% and 11.1%. Wards have been classified according to the number of species isolated; 11 species in pediatric oncology, 10 species in pediatric surgery/neonatal and intensive care, nine species for oncology, eight species in general surgery and dermatology, and four species in internal medicine.

Conclusion: This study shows that fungi causing nosocomial infections are present in hospital and their monitoring should be included in the program of Nosocomial Infections Prevention Committees (CLIN).

Keywords: Champignons; Dantec; Fungi; Infections nosocomiales; Nosocomial infections.