Disinfection of Aerosolized Pathogenic Fungi on Laboratory Surfaces

The effect of several fungicides on laboratory surfaces contaminated with the tissue phase of aerosolizedBlastomyces dermatitidis, Coccidioides immitis, Cryptococcus neoformans , andHistoplasma capsulatum was ascertained. A statistical analysis of the data shows the correlation between fungi, surfaces, time, and concentration of disinfectant. All fungicides were effective at established times and concentrations, and the type of contaminated surface affected the fungicidal efficacy. By interpolating plotted graphs, laboratory personnel may determine, with a given fungicide, the concentration and time required to disinfect instruments, pipettes, gloves, bench tops, and floors contaminated with a tissue phase of pathogenic fungi.