Assessment of Fungal Contamination in Used Masks of HealthCare Workers-Implication for Better Mask Hygiene Practices in Hospital Settings.

BACKGROUND

Face masks are essential components of personal protective equipment widely used in infection control. However, improper use can expose patients and healthcare workers (HCWs) to opportunistic infections.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate the extent of fungal contamination in masks worn by HCWs and the contributing factors.

METHODS

In this study, 400 HCWs from various clinical settings (wards, intensive care units (ICUs), emergency rooms, and outpatient department (OPD)) from hospitals in an Indian city were assessed for fungal contamination in used masks along with the working environment. The fungal contaminations were studied and identified using standard microbial techniques. A predesigned questionnaire was adapted to record personal mask hygiene, work patterns, and demographic profiles.

RESULTS

Most HCWs were females, 267 (66.8%), with a mean age of 30.8 ± 9.6 years. Fungal contamination was detected in 56% of the mask samples, with colony counts ranging from 1 to 100 per mask. The most common fungal species identified in masks (>90%) was Aspergillus, followed by Fusarium and Rhizopus, which correlated with those identified in the working environment. Multivariate quasi-Poisson regression analysis showed a significant association between the fungal colony count in the mask and variables like the duration of mask usage (RR (relative risk) = 1.06, 1.04-1.08, P < 0.001), the clinical setting (RR = 1.64, 1.06-2.48, P = 0.023), and disinfecting hands after touching the mask (RR = 0.55, 0.32-0.88, P = 0.017).

CONCLUSION

The present study highlights the significance of HCWs adhering to stringent mask hygiene protocols and targeted interventions to mitigate fungal contamination in indoor hospital settings that pose health risks to healthcare personnel and immunocompromised patients.