Evaluation of fungal contamination in operating rooms using a dusting cloth pad: comparison among different sampling methods.

To evaluate microbial contamination in hospitals environments, several methods are available, each one having its limitations. Therefore, the choice of system to use is open. This study compares the ability of a dusting cloth pad (DC pad) with 2 other methods (Rodac contact plate and air sampling) to detect contamination because of filamentous fungi in operating rooms, performing 110 sampling campaigns in hospitals of 3 Italian cities.

Field validation of a dusting cloth for mycological surveillance of surfaces.

Efficient monitoring of surfaces for spores of filamentous fungi is essential for detecting minor contamination even when air samples test negative for fungi. This study evaluates and compares a pad prepared using a dusting cloth with Rodac contact plates and humidified swabs for detecting mycological contamination, and concludes that the new method is superior and cheaper.

Development of an innovative method for the evaluation of fungal contamination of surfaces.

The objective of this technical report is to compare the ability to capture fungal spores through samples performed with three different methods: Rodac contact plates, cotton pad and a pad prepared with a dusting cloth (DC pads) selected from those available on the market. The tests were conducted using a suspension of Aspergillus niger conidia equal to 0.5 MacFarland diluted 1/30, 1/40, 1/50, 1/100.

Case Report. Multiple etiology post-surgery endophthalmitis.

The case describes a septic endophthalmitis arisen in a convalescence period following surgery of cataract extraction. The infection was due to Staphylococcus aureus and three fungal components, Candida albicans, Candida glabrata and Acremonium kiliense, which were subsequently isolated. A careful and prompt laboratory investigation allowed the clinicians to adjust the antimycotic therapy and attain an excellent clinical result.