Filamentous fungi isolated in hospitals and some medical institutions in Lithuania

Investigations on the diversity of species of filamentous fungi found in the premises of five medical institutions: two hospitals, the museum of heart surgery, the centre of mental health, and a newly established medicine packing factory, have been carried out. A total of 155 species ascribed to 41 fungal genera were isolated and identified, of which species from the genera of Penicillium, Aspergillus, Acremonium, Paecilomyces, Mucor and Cladosporium made up the vast majority. A number of airborne fungi were also found in the same premises as well. Among the fungi found were several identified as allergenic and opportunistically pathogenic species. The potential health risk for the patients and staff posed by the fungi isolated is discussed.