Indoor air quality in two French hospitals: Measurement of chemical and microbiological contaminants.

In addition to being influenced by the environment, the indoor air pollution in hospitals may be associated with specific compounds emitted from various products used, health care activities and building materials. This study has enabled assessment of the chemical and microbiological concentrations of indoor air in two French hospitals. Based on an integrated approach, the methodology defined aims to measure concentrations of a wide range of chemical compounds (>50 volatile and semi-volatile organic compounds), particle concentrations (PM10 and PM2.5), microorganisms (fungi, bacteria and viruses) and ambient parameters (temperature, relative humidity, pressure and carbon dioxide). Chemical and microbiological air concentrations were measured during two campaigns (winter and summer) and across seven rooms (for spatial variability). The results have shown that indoor air contains a complex mixture of chemical, physical and microbiological compounds. Concentrations in the same order of magnitude were found in both hospitals. Compared to dwelling indoor air, our study shows low, at least equivalent, contamination for non-hospital specific parameters (aldehydes, limonene, phthalates, aromatic hydrocarbons), which is related to ventilation efficiency. Chemical compounds retrieved at the highest concentration and frequencies are due to healthcare activities, for example alcohol - most commonly ethanol - and hand rubbing (median concentration: ethanol 245.7 µg/m3 and isopropanol 13.6 µg/m3); toluene and staining in parasitology (highest median concentration in Nancy laboratory: 2.1 µg/m3)).

Water and surface microbiologic quality of point-of-use water filters: A comparative study.

Waterborne pathogens, such Legionella pneumophila and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, are major contributors to hospital-associated infection. Point-of-use water filtration has demonstrated benefits to prevent infection implicating waterborne pathogens. Despite the quality of the filters, misuse may expose patients to these pathogens.

Microbial control of dental unit water: Feedback on different disinfection methods experience.

A water quality study of dental units showed biofilm and opportunistic microorganisms. We report the steps that ultimately allowed us to obtain water quality as water for standard care with no pathogens throughout all dental units. In summary, treatment with continuous disinfection associated with use of sterile water allowed us to restore the water quality at the output of dental care units while ensuring the safety of care.

Focus on invasive mucormycosis in paediatric haematology oncology patients: a series of 11 cases.

Mucormycosis has emerged as an increasingly important infection in oncology centres with high mortality, especially in severely immunocompromised patients. We carried out a retrospective study of 11 children with mucormycosis treated in seven French oncology-haematology paediatric wards during the period from 1991 to 2011. Lichtheimia corymbifera and Mucor spp. were the predominant pathogens. Treatment regimens included antifungal therapy, reversal of underlying predisposing risk factors and surgical debridement. Although mucormycosis is associated with high mortality, this infection could be cured in eight of our cases of severely immunocompromised paediatric cancer patients.

Emergence of disseminated infections due to Geosmithia argillacea in patients with chronic granulomatous disease receiving long-term azole antifungal prophylaxis.

We report two cases of invasive infections due to Geosmithia argillacea, an emerging mold, in patients with chronic granulomatous disease receiving prolonged azole antifungal prophylaxis. One patient died despite receiving a combination of four antifungals, and the other developed cerebral and medullary lesions under a combination of caspofungin, posaconazole, terbinafine, and gamma interferon.