Delaware IAQ Professional Identifies Fungal Pathogens

Oct. 3, 2011 - PRLog -- Fungal pathogens can be found across the United States and the Mid-Atlantic region is no exception.  These fungi cause disease in humans and one of the most recognized types of fungi that cause opportunistic infections in immunocomprimised individuals is known as Candida.

Candidiasis is caused by fungal pathogens from the Candida genus.  Most infections are caused by Candida albicans, a type of fungus that grows both as a yeast and filamentous cells.   The ubiquitous fungi represent one of the most common fungal pathogens to affect the human population.

The fungi are the causal agent of opportunistic oral and genital infections in humans.  In addition, systemic fungal infections due to Candida albicans represent an important cause of morbidity and mortality in immunocomprimised patients.  Hospital acquired infections (HAIs) and biofilms from the fungi on the surface of medical devices represent significant threats to human health.

Invasive candidiasis is a type of fungal infection that occurs when Candida enter the blood, causing bloodstream infections and then spreading throughout the body.  One form of invasive candidiasis, candidemia, is the fourth most common bloodstream infection among hospitalized patients in the United States. A survey conducted by the CDC found that candidemia occurs in 101 of every 100,000 persons per year.

The symptoms of invasive candidiasis are not specific. Fever and chills that do not improve after antibiotic therapy are the most common symptoms. If the infection spreads to deep organs such as kidneys, liver, bones, muscles, joints, spleen, or eyes, additional specific symptoms may develop, which vary depending on the site of infection. If the infection does not respond to treatment, the patient’s organs may fail and result in death.

“These fungal pathogens can be spread in healthcare environments,” reported Susan White, Ph.D., CMC, President of Sussex Environmental Health Consultants (SEHC), a leading Mid-Atlantic indoor air quality (IAQ) and infection control consulting firm.      “Proactive testing and proper sanitation and hygiene practices can help prevent infections,” she continued.

SEHC recently sponsored a public outreach video about candidiasis and Candida albicans that can be seen at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tmWSzN_bc18



To learn more about preventing infectious microbial pathogens, or other environmental and IAQ issues, please visit http://www.sussexenvironmental.com, email susan.white@mchsi.com or call (302) 947-1810.

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About Sussex Environmental Health Consultants, LLC
SEHC is a certified woman owned business that provides environmental and health and safety consulting services. The company is located in the Mid-Atlantic and services customers nationwide. SEHC provides solutions to clients ranging from homeowners to international Fortune 500 Corporations.