Cluster of Fusarium verticillioides bloodstream infections among immunocompetent patients in an internal medicine department after reconstruction works in Larissa, Central Greece

Abstract

Background: Fusarium spp. can cause disseminated infections, particularly in immunocompromised patients. Fusarium verticillioides is a human pathogen, and sporadic cases of fusariosis have been reported. Aim: To report a nosocomial cluster of F.verticillioides bloodstream infections among seven immunocompetent inpatients following reconstruction works. Methods: Identification was performed using macroscopic and microscopic morphology, and molecular assays (sequencing the nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer region and translation elongation factor-1α gene). Susceptibility testing was performed in accordance with the guidelines of the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute. Environmental surveillance specimens were taken and cultured on Sabouraud dextrose agar plates. Findings: In total, 16 blood cultures obtained from the seven patients were positive for F.verticillioides. All surveillance cultures were negative. Conclusions: In order to prevent fungaemia, it is important to implement effective infection control measures, before, during and after demolition and construction activities in healthcare settings. © 2014 The Healthcare Infection Society