Invasive Aspergillosis in Neutropenic Patients During Hospital Renovation: Effectiveness of Mechanical Preventive Measures in a Prospective Cohort of 438 Patients

Background Aspergillus species are the main cause of invasive fungal disease for patients with severe and prolonged neutropenia. Building or renovation works have been shown as one of the major causes of outbreaks of aspergillosis. Objectives This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of introduction and adaptation by air sampling of mechanical preventive measures on the incidence of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis in neutropenic patients during hospital renovation. Patients All of the patients admitted for prolonged and severe neutropenia during a renovation period from 2003 to 2008 were prospectively enrolled. Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) cases were classified as possible, probable, and proven, according to the 2008 European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer/Invasive Fungal Infections Cooperative Group and the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Mycoses Study Group (EORTC/MSG) Consensus Group criteria. The effectiveness of preventive measures was determined by air sampling. Results We recorded 705 hospitalizations for neutropenia concerning 438 patients. The majority of hospitalized neutropenic patients was treated for acute leukemia (38.3 %), followed by patients suffering from non-Hodgkin and Hodgkin lymphomas (33 %). The total cumulative incidence of probable and proven IPA was 4.1 %. Risk factors for developing IPA were underlying disease, treatment course at the time of hospitalization, and the mean duration of hospitalization and of neutropenia. Conclusions In this prospective study, the incidence of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis did not increase in neutropenic patients during a renovation period because of efficient mechanical preventive measures systematically adjusted using the results of air sampling.