by Jbs041410 h3 — April 16, 2010—A research paper presented at the International Conference on Healthcare-Associated Infections in March concluded that contaminated hospital linens were the likely carriers of Rhizopus molds, causing an outbreak of zygomycosis.
Nine cases were studied starting from 1993, with patients of various ages and hospital stays, on different wards with different air handling systems. The only factors common to all were risk factors for zygomycosis and contact with the hospital linens.
The linens themselves were tested, as well as the laundry facility. As a result of the research, the hospital changed linen supply companies, replaced all linens, and disinfected linen storage areas.
Researchers concluded that Rhizopus might have contaminated linens at the laundry facility or during delivery to the hospital, and advised that hospital linens should be laundered, shipped, and stored in a manner that minimizes exposure to environmental contaminant.
