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Nosocomial Transmission of Trichophyton tonsurans Tinea Corporis in a Rehabilitation Hospital

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 January 2015

Steven M. Lewis*
Affiliation:
Infection Control Department, Marianjoy Rehabilitation Hospital and Clinics, Wheaton, Illinois
Barbara G. Lewis
Affiliation:
Infection Control Department, Marianjoy Rehabilitation Hospital and Clinics, Wheaton, Illinois
*
1725 South St, Geneva, IL 60134

Abstract

Objective:

Investigate the nosocomial transmission of Trichophyton tonsurans tinea corporis.

Design:

Descriptive study of a nosocomial epidemic of tinea corporis.

Setting:

A free-standing inpatient rehabilitation facility.

Participants:

Patients and healthcare workers present on an inpatient rehabilitation ward at the time of transmission of tinea corporis.

Results:

T tonsurans tinea corporis was transmitted from one patient to four healthcare workers despite early diagnosis and treatment. Infection rates for healthcare workers having major, moderate, and minor contact with the index case were 30%, 17%, and 0%, respectively (overall rate, 25%).

Conclusions:

This study identifies rehabilitation inpatients as another population in which nosocomial transmission of T tonsurans tinea corporis can occur. The high attack rate and transmission, despite early diagnosis and treatment, emphasizes the need for isolation precautions.

Type
Original Articles
Copyright
Copyright © The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America 1997

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