{Reference Type}: Journal Article
{Title}: Fungal contamination of medical masks among forensic healthcare workers in the COVID19 era.
{Author}: Merad Y;Belmokhtar Z;Hadjazi O;Belkacemi M;Matmour D;Merad Z;Bassaid A;Megherbi O;
{Journal}: New Microbes New Infect
{Volume}: 53
{Issue}: 0
{Year}: 2023 Jun
暂无{DOI}: 10.1016/j.nmni.2023.101134
{Abstract}: <B>UNASSIGNED: </B>Medical masks are widely used in health care settings to protect healthcare workers from respiratory infections, particularly in the context of the recent Covid-19 disease.<BR><B>UNASSIGNED: </B>A cross-sectional study of 52 used masks collected from 52 forensic healthcare practitioners was conducted to culture for fungal isolation and identification. A study of fungal contamination was conducted by making an impression of the mouth mask cut piece on Sabouraud agar for selective isolation; each health worker completed a questionnaire, which included age, sex, type of mask, and duration of mask use.<BR><B>UNASSIGNED: </B>Twenty five of the 52 used masks tested positive for fungal contamination (48,08%). A total of 44% of the contaminated masks belong to health workers between the ages of 21-30 years. Surgical masks (80%), KN95 (8%), and N95 (4%) were the most contaminated protective devices. Usage duration of 1-2 h was associated with 4% of fungal contamination, while a usage duration of 5-6 h was associated with 36% of fungal contamination. Alternaria sp (32%), Penicillium sp (20%), Aspergillus sp (16%) were the most predominant isolated fungi discovered on the inside areas of the masks.<BR><B>UNASSIGNED: </B>Because fungi are known to cause allergies and serious adverse health effects following recommendations to properly wear a medical mask is critical to preventing fungal contamination, especially among health care workers who are wearing the same mask for a long period during the pandemic.