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Contaminated Commercial Charcoal as a Source of fungi in the Respiratory Tract

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  21 June 2016

David L. George ,
Rima McLeod  and
Robert A. Weinstein
David L. George
Affiliation:
Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Michael Reese Hospital and Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois
Rima McLeod
Affiliation:
Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Michael Reese Hospital and Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois
Robert A. Weinstein*
Affiliation:
Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Michael Reese Hospital and Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois
*
Department of Medicine, Michael Reese Hospital and Medical Center, Lakeshore Dr. at 31st St., Chicago, IL 60616
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Abstract

Objective:

To investigate the possibility that contaminated commercial activated charcoal may serve as a source for fungal colonization or infection of the lower respiratory tract.

Design:

The clinical course of a patient who aspirated commercial activated charcoal was reviewed. Fungal cultures were performed for 2 samples of an activated charcoal in sorbitol product from separate lots produced by a single manufacturer. Details of the manufacturing process were obtained from a representative of the manufacturer.

Setting:

An intensive care unit in a large community teaching hospital.

Patients:

A single patient with steroid-treated lung disease who developed a fatal pulmonary illness after aspirating a commercial activated charcoal product.

Results:

After aspirating the charcoal product, the patient developed respiratory tract colonization and possible infection with Aspergillus niger, Paecilomyces variotii, and Penicillium species. Similar fungal species were isolated from cultures of samples obtained from two separate lots of the same commercial activated charcoal product. Several opportunities for contamination during the manufacturing process were identified.

Conclusions:

Physicians caring for immuno-compromised patients should be aware that commercial activated charcoal products can be a source of fungal respiratory tract colonization that may mimic or cause pneumonia.

Type
Original Articles
Information
Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology , Volume 12 , Issue 12 , December 1991 , pp. 732 - 734
Copyright
Copyright © The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America 1991

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