The presence of fungi on contact electrical stimulation electrodes and ultrasound transducers in physiotherapy clinics

ObjectivesTo evaluate the presence of fungi on contact electrodes and ultrasound transducers from physiotherapy clinics.DesignQuantitative study conducted at the Laboratory of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Health Sciences and Technology of Piauí – NOVAFAPI, Teresina, Brazil.SettingSample collection was performed in 10 clinics (20 ultrasound transducers and 20 contact electrodes).Main outcome measuresSwabs were soaked with saline solution, inoculated in culture and incubated for filamentous fungi and yeast growth.ResultsFourteen taxons were identified: Acremomium hyalinulum (Sacc.), Aspergillus terreus, Candida albicans, Cladosporium cladosporioides, Cladosporium elatum, Cladosporium oxysporum, Cladosporium sphaerospermum, Cladosphialophora bantiana, Curvularia clavata, Curvularia senegalensis, Fusarium oxysporum, Penicillium decumbens, Scopulariopsis candida and Sporothrix schenckii. Aspergillus terreus, Cladosporium oxysporum, Sporothrix shenckii and Candida albicans were found most often on contact electrodes, and Penicillium decumbens and Cladosporium cladosporioides were found most often on ultrasound transducers.ConclusionFungi were found on all of the contact electrodes and ultrasound transducers. Physiotherapy professionals need to improve the disinfection procedures for this equipment.