Grout Shower swab: Aspergillus fumigatus – Shipped November 26, 2018-
HISTORY
This challenge was sent as a simulated swab obtained from a shower grout. Laboratories were expected to isolate and identify Aspregillus fumigatus / Aspergillus species.
MAIN EDUCATIONAL POINTS from MY1811-3
- Finding Aspergillus species in an environmental sample from a clinical area would of itself not be particularly significant as the fungus is quite ubiquitous.
- It should be possible to differentiate A. funigatus from other Aspergillus species (see below). This may have important connotations for infection control and potential treatment of such individuals.