Seven-year surveillance of nosocomial invasive aspergillosis in a French University Hospital

Summary Objectives This study aims at describing the evolution of the epidemiology of invasive aspergillosis (IA) in a French University Hospital focussing on nosocomial cases, in order to assess the efficiency of the environmental preventive measures which were implemented. Methods From 2003 to 2009, IA cases were reviewed monthly and classified according to the EORTC/MSG criteria and the origin of contamination. Results Five proven and 65 probable IA cases were diagnosed. Most of the cases (74.3%) occurred in patients with haematological malignancies. Incidences of IA and nosocomial IA (NIA) were 0.106 and 0.032 cases per 1000 admissions, respectively. All the 21 NIA cases occurred in the absence of air treatment (laminar air flow facilities or Plasmair ® decontamination units) and/or during construction works. The 3-month and 1-year overall survival rates were 50.6% [38.2–61.7] and 31.1% [20–42.9] respectively, and did not differ according to the origin of contamination. Conclusion Nosocomial IA still accounted for a third of all IA cases diagnosed from 2003 to 2009 and mainly occurred in the absence of environmental protective measures, which were confirmed to be effective when applied. Our results show that extension and/or reinforcement of these measures is needed, especially in the haematology unit and during construction works.