Isfahan University of Medical Sciences

Science Communicator Platform

Stay connected! Follow us on X network (Twitter):
Share By
Fungal Presence and Health Implications in Hospital Water Systems Publisher

Summary: Study finds 41% of hospital water system biofilms contain fungi, posing infection risks. #HospitalInfections #FungalContamination

Ghodsi S1, 2 ; Nikaeen M1 ; Aboutalebian S3 ; Mirhendi H3
Authors

Source: International Journal of Environmental Health Research Published:2024


Abstract

Given the increasing occurrence of invasive fungal infections and the limited efficacy of modern antifungal medications, it is crucial to disseminate information regarding the potential sources of nosocomial mycoses through the One Health approach. This study investigated the presence and antifungal susceptibility of fungi in biofilm and water samples obtained from the drinking water distribution system (DWDS) of hospitals. The positivity rate for fungi in biofilm and water samples was 41% and 9%, respectively, with Aspergillus species, a significant causative agent of nosocomial mycoses, being the predominant fungi identified. Analysis of antifungal susceptibility test revelead a comparable resistance profile between some isolated species from the DWDS and those reported for certain clinical samples. While further research is required to determine the specific contribution of waterborne fungi to nosocomial fungal infections, our results emphasize the importance of controlling biofilm formation within DWDSs, particularly in high-risk hospital wards. © 2024 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.
Related Docs
View other Related Docs
1. Ultraviolet Irradiation: An Effective Inactivation Method of Aspergillus Spp. in Water for the Control of Waterborne Nosocomial Aspergillosis, Water Research (2012)
2. Investigation of Hospital Water Systems Contamination to Bacterial Agents of Nosocomial Infections, International Journal of Environmental Health Engineering (2020)
3. Microbial Quality of Water in Dental Unit Waterlines, Journal of Research in Medical Sciences (2009)
Experts (# of related papers)
View all Related Experts
Mahnaz Nikaeen (5)
Rasoul Mohammadi (5)
Fungal Presence and Health Implications in Hospital Water Systems
Other Related Docs
4. Prevalence of Fungi and Their Antifungal and Disinfectant Resistance in Hospital Environments: Insights Into Combating Nosocomial Mycoses, Antimicrobial Resistance and Infection Control (2025)
5. Rapid Monitoring of Pseudomonas Aeruginosa in Hospital Water Systems: A Key Priority in Prevention of Nosocomial Infection, FEMS Microbiology Letters (2013)
6. Phenotypic Characteristics and Antibiotic Resistance Patterns of Most Common Nosocomial Pathogens in Noor Hospital, Isfahan, Iran, Journal of Isfahan Medical School (2011)
7. Prevalence Rate and Antibiotic Resistance of Acinetobacter Species Isolated From the Patients Hospitalized in Alzahra Hospital, Isfahan, Iran, 2013-2014, Journal of Isfahan Medical School (2016)
8. Invasive Fungal Infection in Febrile Patients With Hematologic Malignancies Undergoing Chemotherapy in Iran, Endocrine, Metabolic and Immune Disorders - Drug Targets (2019)
9. In Vitro Activities of Five Antifungal Drugs Against Opportunistic Agents of Aspergillus Nigri Complex, Mycopathologia (2016)
10. Virulence Factors, Biofilm Formation and Antibiotic Resistance Pattern in Enterococcus Faecalis and Enterococcus Faecium Isolated From Clinical and Commensal Human Samples in Isfahan, Iran, Annali di Igiene Medicina Preventiva e di Comunita (2019)
11. Multicenter Study of Susceptibility of Aspergillus Species Isolated From Iranian University Hospitals to Seven Antifungal Agents, Microbiology Spectrum (2022)
12. A Review on Fungal Surgical Site Infections: Epidemiology, Risk Factors, Main Fungal Agents, and Prevention, Iranian Journal of Microbiology (2025)
13. A Study on the Fungal Rhinosinusitis: Causative Agents, Symptoms, and Predisposing Factors, Journal of Research in Medical Sciences (2023)
14. Antifungal Effect of Atorvastatin in Comparison With Fluconazole on Candida Species Isolated From Patients Undergoing Head‑And‑Neck Radiotherapy, Dental Research Journal (2024)
15. Candida Urinary Tract Infection Among Icu Patients in Isfahan, Iran, Archives of Clinical Infectious Diseases (2019)
16. Comparison of Proteinase Activity, Hemolysin Production, and Adherence Ability of Candida Albicans Isolates Obtained From Gastroesophageal Lesions and Urinary Tract Infections, Journal of Research in Medical Sciences (2022)
17. Detection of Macrolid, Lincosamide and Streptogramin Resistance Genes in Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Epidermidis Strains Isolated From Clinical Samples in Isfahan City, Iran, Journal of Isfahan Medical School (2017)
18. Epidemiology, Species Distribution, Antifungal Susceptibility, and Outcome of Candidemia in Intensive Care Units in Isfahan, Iran, Current Medical Mycology (2022)
19. In Vitro Activity of Juglone (5-Hydroxy-1,4-Naphthoquinone) Against Both Fluconazole-Resistant and Susceptible Candida Isolates; [Actividad in Vitro De Juglona (5-Hidroxi-1,4-Naftoquinona) Contra Aislamientos De Candida Resistentes Y Sensibles a Fluconazol], Revista Iberoamericana de Micologia (2022)
20. Reliability of Disk Diffusion Test Results for the Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing of Nosocomial Gram-Positive Microorganisms: Is E-Test Method Better?, Iranian Journal of Pharmaceutical Research (2012)