Abstract:
OBJECTIVE To clarify the nature of infection and trace the source of risk in a suspected outbreak event where three sputum specimens from a certain intensive care unit (ICU) were detected positive for Aspergillus fumigatus during the same period, through case analysis and epidemiological survey, and to summarize the key points for prevention and control of Aspergillus infection in medical institutions.
METHODS Clinical data of patients were analyzed, and colonization and infection were distinguished based on the diagnostic criteria for hospital-associated infections and diagnostic guidelines for Aspergillus infection. Infection transmission risks were identified through on-site investigations, environmental sampling and tracing of high-risk operational procedures.
RESULTS Among the three patients, only one was diagnosed with "hospital-associated lower respiratory tract infection with A. fumigatus", while the other two were diagnosed with "respiratory tract colonization with A. fumigatus" and "community-acquired Aspergillus infection", respectively. No Aspergillus was detected in environmental samples, ruling out the risk of environmental transmission in the ICU.
CONCLUSIONS Positive laboratory detection for Aspergillus should be interpreted in conjunction with patients' clinical manifestations to avoid misdiagnosis of infection. Emergency response should focus on a three-dimensional process of "case diagnosis-environmental investigation-precision treatment", while strengthening risk prevention measures such as environmental temperature and humidity control, standardized disinfection of medical equipment and protection of high-risk populations to prevent and control the spread of Aspergillus.
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