Influence of the hospital environment on yeast colonization in nursing students

Fungemias have increased in recent decades, with high indices of morbidity and mortality. The agents of fungal infection isolated most often are yeasts, which can be acquired by direct contact with already colonized individuals. The present study aimed to detect yeast colonization in nursing students, and to study the possible influence of the hospital environment on colonization. The nasal cavities and hands of 22 students were sampled before and after a 62-day hospital training period. The yeast colonies that developed were identified using standard techniques. In total, 47 yeast samples were isolated, which were part of the normal flora of 15 (68%) students. Candida albicans was the species isolated most often (P < 0.05), comprising 59.6% of all isolates. The hospital environment affected colonization, as following the training period there was a significant increase in the number of microorganisms isolated, and also replacement of less virulent species by C. albicans. Our results are important because hospital infections of fungal origin are emerging today, and cross-transmission appears to be an important factor. In this situation, prophylactic measures are necessary to control the nosocomial microbial flora and thus reduce the incidence of hospital infections.