EPIDEMIOLOGY AND CONTROL OF NOSOCOMIAL FUNGAL-INFECTIONS

Fungal infections present a new challenge to infection-control personnel. The investigation of recent outbreaks of candidiasis and aspergillosis suggests that the epidemiology of these infections is more complicated than previously thought. The application of more discriminatory genetic-typing systems to the study of outbreak strains has helped in this process. Evidence for both endogenous and exogenous acquisition of fungal pathogens requires preventive strategies that incorporate both chemoprophylaxis and standard infection-control practices such as hand-washing. The role of sophisticated and expensive air-handling systems on transplant units needs a critical reappraisal.