Japanese Society for Infection Prevention and Control-Online Journal

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Surveillance of Fungal Dissemination by Air Sampling during Renovation of Concrete Parking Area

Hiroyasu KAYA and Naomi SHIMIZU
Infection Control Team, Toyama Prefectural Central Hospital

Although there have been previous reports of Aspergillus and Mucor infections in immunocompromised hosts during hospital renovation work involving the breakup and removal of ceiling material, there have been no previous reports investigating the number of fungi scattered during such events. We report the monitoring of fungal dissemination via air sampling during the renovation carried out in our hospital parking area. Many fungi were collected after the removal of the parking area concrete floor, which were identified as Aspergillus fumigatus and Rhizomucor pusillus via Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry. During the process of tearing down or removing parts of old structures in hospitals for renovation, especially those made of concrete, it is crucial for inpatients with immunodeficiency to be cared for in rooms with high-efficiency particulate air filter ventilation and filtration. Additionally, outpatients with immunodeficiency must be directed to enter through an entrance situated away from construction work while wearing N95 masks.

Key words：hospital renovation, concrete, fungus, air sampling

e-mail: hiro-kaya＠kit.hi-ho.ne.jp

Received: December 21, 2021
Accepted: March 24, 2022

37 (4)：136─138,2022