Invasive nosocomial aspergillosis. Diagnosis, and strategy for prevention in the hospital setting

Nosocomial invasive aspergillosis has emerged as a major infectious complication in patients with profound immunodeficiency. Thus, preventive measures must be instaured in hospital wards "at risk for aspergillosis" (mainly haematology, bone marrow transplant and organ transplant units) in order to prevent the outer risk of contamination. These comprise a sequential follow-up of air and surface contamination and molecular analysis of isolated fungal strains for further analysis of the epidemiology of Aspergillus in the hospital environment. We also recommend that biological, clinical and environmental data should be centralized and analyzed monthly by a specialized staff composed of physicians, mycologists, health care and administrative personnel in order to define the optimum strategy for prevention within the hospital.