Nosocomial Outbreak of Aspergillus Fumigatus Infection - Essay Example

The near-fatality was that of a 65-year-old male admitted in February 1995 with chronic renal failure due to renal vascular disease for severe malnutrition. The infection was never discovered in the patient's septum but his condition improved with liposomal amphotericin therapy. The patient achieved nearly complete regression in 10 weeks.StrengthsThe study shows certain strengths. The investigators admit the findings are inconclusive especially since they did not test the air. They warn that hospital construction or renovation work near immunosuppressed patients should alert physicians to the possible presence of A.

WeaknessesLikewise, the study showed certain weaknesses. The final case was presumptive. Cultures of sputum never revealed the presence of A. It did not suggest ways to prevent infiltration into ventilation systems, and it did not suggest methods for clearing air once infiltration has occurred.HeuristicsNevertheless, we are left with certain questions. How quickly does in a spread from the lungs to the central nervous system What effect does gender have on its aggressiveness It is a recommendation for future study that immunodeficient rats be given controlled exposure to Aspergillus infections to develop ways of preventing it altogether or stopping it as progress into the body?