Candidiasis Infections Impact Midwest Healthcare Facilities

Dec. 19, 2011 - PRLog -- 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.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “Invasive candidiasis is a fungal infection that occurs when Candida species enter the blood, causing bloodstream infection and then spreading throughout the body.”   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 Candida on the surface of medical devices represent significant threats to human health.  One form of invasive candidiasis, candidemia, is the fourth most common bloodstream infection among hospitalized patients in the United States.

“Proper disinfection and cleaning of environmental surfaces and reusable devices can help prevent the spread of Candida albicans,” reported Ed Chambers, the President of EC2, Inc., an Illinois based environmental and infectious disease consulting firm. “Healthcare professionals who touch contaminated surfaces and then come in contact with patients and patients who directly touch these surfaces can result in infections.  Environmental testing of surfaces in healthcare settings can help determine if Candida albicans or other microbial pathogens such as Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Clostridium difficile (C. diff) are present to help prevent infections before people become ill,” he continued.

EC2 recently sponsored a public outreach video on Candidiasis that can be viewed at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tmWSzN_bc18



Healthcare professionals interested in learning more about environmental, indoor air quality (IAQ) and environmental infectious disease issues can learn more by visiting http://www.4ec2inc.com, emailing info@4ec2inc.com or calling (815) 703-9000.

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About EC2, Inc.
EC2 is a leading provider of environmental consulting and inspection services for clients across the United States. Based in the Chicago area, the company provides their services to clients ranging from local companies and institutions to international Fortune 500 Corporations.