The opportunistic pathogen Exophiala dermatitidis has been frequently isolated from tropical regions of the world. However, there is no report of environmental isolation of Exophiala spp. from Malaysia. The information regarding the ecology of this microbe is important for a better understanding of the opportunism. This study aims to conduct a survey of natural distribution of Exophiala spp. in Malaysia. Forty-seven strains of Exophiala-like was isolated by using selective media. These isolates from the fields were molecularly identified based on the ITS region. The biochemical activity of these microbes was tested by conducting various tests, i.e. DNase test, proteinase activity, and urea hydrolysis. Overall, 22 strains of E. dermatitidis were successfully obtained and identified from burnt tree bark, oil dripped soil sample, hot spring biofilm, railway track stones, tar road contaminated with petrol hydrocarbon, drain and deep mud of Sungai Pinang besides the new discovery from pigeon droppings. A single strain of E. heteromorpha was identified from tar road contaminated with petrol hydrocarbon. Genotypes of the isolated E. dermatitidis were identified by the neighbor-joining tree and grouped into Genotype A, A2 and B. The existence of new Genotype A4 was confirmed by a similar cladogram position in both neighbor-joining and maximum likelihood tree. The survival of E. dermatitidis in the hydrocarbon contaminated environment was studied by supplying engine oil and observing the growth pattern. The results of this study suggest that the opportunistic Exophiala spp. was isolated from nutrient limited and harsh conditions in the natural environment.
Introduction: Workers in hospitals are exposed to various occupational hazards such as high level disinfectants (HLD).
Disinfection is an essential component of the endoscope reprocessing. In the Endoscopy Unit of Queen Elizabeth Hospital,
Succindialdehyde (SA) is used as the disinfectant for endoscope reprocessing. SA has properties that are similar to formaldehyde
in regard to contact allergies and toxicity. The purpose of this case study is to describe the occurrence of work related symptoms
(WRS), the proper use of personal protective attire (PPE) and the need of pre-employment health enquiries for those exposed to SA.
Methodology: This was a cross sectional case study. Twenty eight gastrointestinal assistants (GIA) from the thirty two exposed staff
working with the Queen Elizabeth Hospital’s Endoscopy Unit, who fulfilled the study criteria, were given a modified Respiratory
Surveillance Questionnaire. This questionnaireis used as the health surveillance tool for the staff exposed to the occupational
respiratory hazard by the Occupational Health Unit, University of Edinburgh. Results: Most of the GIAs complained of headache
(85.7%), skin irritations (60.7%) followed by 57.1% watery eyes, wheeziness and runny nose. Majority (92.9%) of the GIAs wore
personal protective equipment (PPE) during the disinfection procedure. Pre-employment enquiries regarding asthma, skin and
mucosal sensitivity problems and lung function were not made to any of the GIAs. Only 14.3% of them do annual health surveillances.
Conclusion: Most of the GIAs, 92.9% experienced at least one WRS despite wearing PPE. Staff exposed to the chemical disinfectants
should wear proper PPE and do annual health surveillances. By practising this, we may avoid WRS and treat the staff accordingly.