OBJECTIVE: Nosocomial infections lead to significant morbidity and mortality in the neonatal period. Considering the concern regarding air quality in critical hospital areas, such as Intensive Care Units (ICU), this study aims to identify the presence of potentially pathological fungi in the Pediatric and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of the Samuel Libânio Hospital in Pouso Alegre, Minas Gerais, Brazil. METHODS: Thirty samples were collected in the following areas: surface of beds, incubators, windows, air conditioning, telephones, stethoscopes, doors and door knobs. Petri dishes of Sabouraud Dextrose Agar with the collected samples were incubated at air temperature for 15 days. The identification was based on macroscopic and microscopic characteristics and subcultures. RESULTS: Potentially pathological and toxigenic fungi were isolated in the studied areas. The quantitative analysis revealed the presence of 11 genera: 40% of the colonies were Penicillium spp., followed by Cladosporium spp. and Chrysosporium spp. CONCLUSIONS: The fungi found may present a great pathogenic potential, mainly in immunocompromised patients. It is important to adopt some measures in order to reduce nosocomial infection in ICU, such as the strict control regarding equipment cleansing, control of visitors, hand washing and periodic cleansing and renewal of air conditioning filters.
fungi; cross infection; mycoses; intensive care units, pediatric; intensive care units, neonatal
