Germ of the Month - November 2005

This month we would like to reintroduce you to Gilli (Aspergillus flavus). Gilli was always the quiet one in our family – but you have to watch those quiet ones. He has been sneaking around and getting into things when we weren’t watching!

Aspergillus species are molds found worldwide. Diseases caused by Aspergillus species are most commonly caused by Aspergillus fumigatus, with Aspergillus flavus the second most frequently isolated pathogen.¹ Aspergillus flavus is
associated with aspergillosis of the lungs and/or disseminated aspergillosis. Colonization of the respiratory tract is also common. The clinical manifestation and severity of the disease depends upon the immunologic state of the patient. Other reported sites of infection include sinonasal infections, infections of the larynx, trachea, and bronchus, ear infections, ocular infections, bone infections, cutaneous infections, endocarditis, pericarditis, and myocarditis, urinary tract infections, intraabdominal infections, and lymph node infections.²

Aspergillus flavus is reported to be allergenic.³ Some strains are capable of producing a group of mycotoxins in the aflatoxin group. The toxin is poisonous to humans by ingestion. It may also result in occupational disease via inhalation. It is known to be toxic to the liver.⁴ Aspergillus molds are frequently secondary opportunistic pathogens in patients with bronchiectasis, carcinoma, other mycoses, sarcoid, and tuberculosis.

The frequency and relative importance of these infections are on the rise in all developed countries, which is possibly related to increased numbers of immunocompromised patients, owing to improved survival from AIDS, malignancies and more intensive cytotoxic therapy, and more transplantation (with immunosuppression) for organ dysfunctions.⁵ As always, a key component to the reduction of transmission is good hand hygiene with a product that has good persistence.

We hope you enjoy introducing your staff to Gilli this month as you continue your own efforts to educate and maintain
awareness about infectious disease in your facility. This information is brought to you by Mölnlycke Health Care, maker of
Hibiclens® antiseptic and Hibistat®, convenient antimicrobial towelettes with the persistence of CHG.⁶ Our reason for all
that we do is to provide you with the very best in products and support, to help you control infections. We look forward to
hearing from you about our Hibigeebie® campaign. Please feel free to contact us at 1-800-843-8497.

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1 Stevens DA, Kan VL, Judson MA, et al. Practice Guidelines for Diseases Caused by Aspergillus. Clinical Infectious Diseases 2000;30:696-709.
2 Stevens DA, Kan VL, Judson MA, et al. Practice Guidelines for Diseases Caused by Aspergillus. Clinical Infectious Diseases 2000;30:696-709
3 Burge, H.A. 1985. "Fungus allergens," Clin. Rev. Allergy , 3:19-329.
4 A Clinicians's Guide to Fungal Diseaseby Stephen O.B. Roberts, R.J. Hay and D.W.R. Mackenzie, Marcel Dekker, Inc., New York, New York, 1994. 252p.
5 Stevens DA, Kan VL, Judson MA, et al. Practice Guidelines for Diseases Caused by Aspergillus. Clinical Infectious Diseases 2000;30:696-709.
6 Mölnlycke Health Care urges all users to read the product leaflet closely and use Hibi products only as directed.