Aspergillus species from hospital air and from patients.

During a seven month period, 367 molds were isolated from hospital air and 23 from patients. Aspergillus niger accounted for 56% of air isolates, but for only 17% of patient isolates. Aspergillus fumigatus was rarely found in air (0.3%), but was the dominant isolate among our patients (44%). We conclude, that different Aspergillus species may have a varied aptitude to colonize immunocompromised patients.