{"id":30062,"date":"2026-10-16T09:00:40","date_gmt":"2026-10-16T09:00:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.oxypharm.net\/?p=30062"},"modified":"2026-10-16T06:53:04","modified_gmt":"2026-10-16T06:53:04","slug":"prevention-risque-aspergillus","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.oxypharm.net\/en\/prevention-risque-aspergillus\/","title":{"rendered":"Aspergillus: What Strategies Are There to Prevent Fungal Risk ?"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Aspergillus is a very common mould whose spores spread easily throughout the environment. It presents different challenges depending on the sector, including the risk of aspergillosis in vulnerable patients in hospitals, critical product contamination in the pharmaceutical sector, and food spoilage and the production of mycotoxins in the food industry.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

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So, how can contamination of sensitive environments by Aspergillus be prevented? Prevention relies on several synergistic measures: tackling the sources, controlling dispersion and air quality, and cleaning and disinfecting surfaces.<\/p>\n

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Aspergillus<\/em>: ubiquitous moulds<\/h3>\n

[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=””]Aspergillus<\/em> is a vast genus of microscopic filamentous fungi comprising around 450 known species. These moulds are found in a wide variety of contexts, such as soil, air, aquatic environments and even living organisms. They can also colonise surfaces and materials in built environments when conditions are favourable.<\/p>\n

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Many feed on dead organic matter and contribute to its decomposition. Others live in plant tissues without causing disease, whilst some can colonise and damage crops. A few species are also capable of infecting humans or animals. These are referred to as opportunistic pathogens, as they mainly cause infections when the host\u2019s defences are weakened.<\/p>\n

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Conversely, certain species possess properties that are useful to humans. A. oryzae, for example, is used to produce fermented foods and enzymes, whilst A. terreus can be used to produce lovastatin, a molecule used in certain cholesterol-lowering medicines.<\/p>\n

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The issues vary greatly depending on the species and sector. A. fumigatus is the main species responsible for human aspergillosis; in terms of food safety, A. flavus and A. parasiticus are subject to particular scrutiny; in the pharmaceutical sector, A. penicillioides is among the species most frequently identified.[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=””]<\/p>\n

Spores capable of spreading contamination far beyond the initial source<\/strong><\/h3>\n

[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=””]To multiply and spread, Aspergillus <\/em>produces vast numbers of conidia \u2013 small, light spores that are easily carried through the air. They can therefore enter buildings on air currents and in dust before settling on surfaces.<\/p>\n

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A spore deposited on a surface does not automatically form a new mould colony. To germinate and grow, it must find favourable conditions, particularly moisture and nutrients. Water leaks and damp or deteriorated materials can promote mould growth and act as new reservoirs for spores.<\/p>\n

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Construction, renovation or demolition work can also release spores present in materials into the air, causing them to become airborne and spread. By stirring up large quantities of dust, this sort of work can contribute to contaminating the environment far beyond the initial source.<\/p>\n

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This ability to disperse results in what can sometimes be a very widespread presence in the environment. A study carried out in 2025 in thr<\/p>\n

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Aspergillus<\/em> in healthcare settings<\/h3>\n

[\/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner content_placement=”middle”][vc_column_inner width=”1\/2″][vc_single_image image=”30044″ img_size=”Full” css=””][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/2″][vc_column_text css=””]We regularly inhale Aspergillus<\/em> spores without developing an infection. Aspergillosis is not contagious; infection occurs mainly through the inhalation of spores present in the environment. In a healthy person, the respiratory and immune defences generally eliminate them before they can develop.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_column_text css=””]Depending on the patient\u2019s underlying condition, Aspergillus <\/em>can cause a wide range of illnesses, including allergic reactions, chronic pulmonary aspergillosis and invasive aspergillosis, which is much more severe. A. fumigatus <\/em>is the species most frequently implicated in human disease. Its conidia, which measure just 2 to 5 \u00b5m, can reach the pulmonary alveoli after inhalation.<\/p>\n

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Invasive aspergillosis primarily affects patients whose immune defences are severely compromised. When the body is unable to clear the spores, they can germinate in the lungs, invade tissues, and even spread to other organs.<\/p>\n

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Cases of healthcare-associated aspergillosis have also been reported in haematology, transplantation, cardiac surgery, neonatology and intensive care.<\/p>\n

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Aspergillus<\/em> and the pharmaceutical sector<\/h3>\n

[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=””]In the pharmaceutical industry, Aspergillus <\/em>presents a risk of microbiological contamination of products and their manufacturing environment. Mould has been found in cleanrooms, cold stores and other controlled areas.<\/p>\n

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An analysis published in 2026, covering 21 years of FDA enforcement reports from 2004 to 2025, identifies Aspergillus <\/em>as the main genus of mould associated with the contamination incidents recorded, and more specifically A. penicillioides<\/em>.<\/p>\n

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Beyond non-compliance, product deterioration and batch recalls, the health consequences of such fungal contaminations can be severe. Their severity depends, in particular, on the type of product contaminated and its route of administration. In the case of an injectable medicine or one intended for a normally sterile site, contamination can introduce the fungus directly into the body, bypassing the skin or mucous membrane barriers.<\/p>\n

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Fungal contamination of medicines and medical devices has therefore been linked to invasive fungal infections, meningitis, keratitis and even endophthalmitis.[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=””]<\/p>\n

Aspergillus<\/em> in the food industry: food spoilage and mycotoxins<\/h3>\n

[\/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/2″][vc_column_text css=””]In the food industry, the risk associated with Aspergillus<\/em> primarily concerns the contamination of raw materials and foodstuffs. Spores, dispersed mainly through the air and water, can contaminate plants before harvest and then grow during storage when conditions are favourable (particularly heat and humidity).[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/2″][vc_single_image image=”30037″ img_size=”Full” css=””][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_column_text css=””]As well as causing food spoilage and batch losses, certain species of Aspergillus may also pose a health risk by producing mycotoxins. This is particularly the case with A. flavus and A. parasiticus, the main species responsible for producing aflatoxins in foodstuffs. Cereals, peanuts, pistachios, other nuts, dried fruit and certain spices are among the foods most at risk of this type of contamination.<\/p>\n

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Among these toxins, aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is of particular concern: it is genotoxic\u2014that is, capable of damaging DNA\u2014and aflatoxins are classified as human carcinogens by the IARC.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Once produced, aflatoxins are relatively stable and are partially resistant to storage, acidic environments, and certain heat treatments. This is why it is important to take action early on, before they form, by preventing the growth of mold in the production environment.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Aspergillus<\/span><\/i> : Multi-level Risk Management <\/span><\/h3>\n

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Identifying and eliminating reservoirs<\/h4>\n

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The first step is to prevent mold from growing and producing new spores. Water infiltration, leaks, condensation, or materials that remain damp over time must be identified and corrected. The CDC therefore recommends inspecting not only visible signs of mold but also water damage, drop ceilings, walls, structural elements, and other materials susceptible to mold growth; wet materials that cannot be dried quickly must be removed.<\/span><\/p>\n

This control also applies to ventilation systems: the condition of filters, ducts, grilles, condensate, humidity, and air circulation are among the items to be checked.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Building works: preventing reservoirs becoming clouds of spores<\/h4>\n

[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=””]Building works present a particularly critical situation because they can suddenly dislodge spores present in dust and materials. The aim is therefore not only to clean up after the works, but to contain bioaerosols as soon as they are produced.<\/p>\n

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The SF2H guide recommends, in particular, physically separating the works area from occupied areas, maintaining negative pressure where the risk level warrants it, using extraction with very high-efficiency filtration, and minimising the generation and circulation of dust as much as possible.[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=””]<\/p>\n

Cleaning and disinfecting surfaces<\/h4>\n

[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=””]Spores that evade the initial preventive measures eventually settle on surfaces. Their removal therefore involves two synergistic steps: cleaning, to remove dust and dirt, followed by disinfection. In high-risk areas, the SF2H therefore recommends frequent bio-cleaning using a fungicidal product with proven efficacy against Aspergillus<\/em>. Bactericidal or yeasticidal efficacy alone does not guarantee effectiveness against this mould.[\/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/2″][vc_single_image image=”30051″ img_size=”Full” css=””][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/2″][vc_column_text css=””]This precaution is all the more important becauseAspergillus<\/em> conidia can be particularly difficult to inactivate. Their susceptibility varies depending on the species and strain, as well as on the disinfectant used, its concentration, the contact time, and the conditions under which the spores developed.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_column_text css=””]This precaution is all the more important given that Aspergillus<\/em> conidia can be particularly difficult to inactivate. Their susceptibility varies depending on the species and strain, but also on the disinfectant used, its concentration, the contact time and the conditions under which the spores developed.<\/p>\n

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Lastly, not all surfaces are accessible for manual cleaning. The CDC recommends identifying hard-to-reach surfaces and devising a specific strategy for them. In an environment where spores may have spread extensively, the quality of the treatment therefore depends both on its microbiological efficacy and on its ability to effectively cover the surfaces in question.<\/p>\n

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It is at this latter level that two complementary approaches come into play: steam bio-cleaning, which combines mechanical action with thermal disinfection upon contact with surfaces, and AASD (automated airborne surface disinfection).[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=””]<\/p>\n

Steam and AASD: two complementary approaches to preventing Aspergillus<\/em> risk<\/h3>\n

[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=””]Steam: fungicidal efficacy assessed against Aspergillus<\/em><\/strong>[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=””]Professional steam disinfection devices project high-temperature, pressurised steam onto surfaces.[\/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner content_placement=”middle”][vc_column_inner width=”1\/4″][vc_single_image image=”18215″ img_size=”Full” css=””][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”3\/4″][vc_column_text css=””]The NF T72-110 standard governs the evaluation of steam-based surface disinfection processes. It tests the device under its intended conditions of use, taking into account the device as a whole, including its accessories and application methods.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_column_text css=””]To demonstrate fungicidal activity, the process is tested specifically on Aspergillus brasiliensis<\/em>. It must achieve a reduction of at least 4 log, (99.99% of the viable population under the test conditions). Compliance with the standard therefore provides specific evidence of efficacy against moulds of the genus Aspergillus<\/em>.<\/p>\n

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both cleaning and disinfection in a single pass. Their antimicrobial efficacy has been demonstrated against bacteria, yeasts, moulds, viruses and spores.<\/p>\n

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A range of accessories (microfibre cloths, brushes, nozzles, sanitary attachments or siphon covers) allows the treatment to be adapted to the type of surface and the areas to be reached.[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=””]<\/p>\n

AASD : automated airborne disinfection of all exposed surfaces<\/h4>\n

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Automated airborne surface disinfection (DSVA) combines a diffuser with a biocide, often based on hydrogen peroxide. Transformed into a dry mist of microdroplets, the product is dispersed throughout the room and settles on exposed surfaces, including areas that are difficult to reach manually, such as corners or under furniture. Disinfection can thus be performed automatically and uniformly.<\/span><\/p>\n

[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/3″][vc_single_image image=”25411″ img_size=”Full” css=””][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_column_text css=””]The NF EN 17272+A1:2026 standard governs the assessment of the process as a whole, meaning the diffuser-product combination. To claim fungicidal efficacy, the product must demonstrate its efficacy against Aspergillus brasiliensis<\/em>, with a minimum reduction of 4 log.<\/p>\n

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Oxy\u2019Pharm\u2019s Nocotech system is based on this principle. It combines a diffuser (Nocospray or Nocomax) with a disinfectant from the Nocolyse range, which is made using hydrogen peroxide. The device-product combination complies with the EN 17272 standard. It has demonstrated broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, with bactericidal, fungicidal, virucidal and sporicidal effects.<\/p>\n

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The product is dispensed as a dry mist of microdroplets measuring approximately 5 \u00b5m, following a programme tailored to the size and dimensions of the room. Once the cycle has started, dispensing and shutdown are automated, and no rinsing is required.<\/p>\n

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This technology is used alongside prior bio-cleaning. It does not disinfect the air itself; the air acts as a carrier to distribute the disinfectant onto surfaces.<\/p>\n

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In the food and drink sector, this approach is implemented through Nocolyse Food, designed for the disinfection of surfaces in food production environments.<\/p>\n

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Depending on the sector, Aspergillus <\/em>presents different risks, but controlling it implies the same dual challenge: localised outbreaks can extensively spread their spores, and these spores may be less susceptible to certain disinfectants. Prevention therefore relies on several synergistic barriers, including eliminating reservoirs, controlling dispersion and airflow, cleaning, and then disinfecting surfaces with methods that have proven fungicidal efficacy.<\/p>\n

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As a part of this strategy, Sanivap and Nocotech address two complementary needs: steam for routine fungicidal bio-cleaning, and AASD to supplement the treatment where contamination is widespread or surfaces are difficult to reach. This two-part approach is in line with Oxy\u2019Pharm\u2019s long-standing commitment to tailoring disinfection levels to actual risks, prioritising effective processes, and minimising the use and dispersion of chemicals as much as possible to strike a balance between microbiological control, health and environmental impact.[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=””]Main sources:<\/strong>[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=””]<\/p>\n