[Hospital infection caused by Aspergillus--an overview of etiology and possibilities for prevention]

Abstract

During the last decades a sharp increase in the occurrence of invasive aspergillosis associated with a high mortality has been observed. This fact is mainly due to an increase in the number of immunosuppressed patients. Nosocomial aspergillosis usually is of exogenous origin and often related to building construction and reconstruction, road construction, contaminated ventilation systems and contaminated soil of pot plants. By institution of suitable prophylactic measures a reduction of incidence and mortality of invasive aspergillosis can be achieved. This review gives a short introduction into the epidemiology, pathogenesis and diagnosis of invasive aspergillosis and, in the second part summarizes internationally recommended guidelines for prevention of this severe complication.