Air We Missing Something? Mycology, Aspergillus, & the Invisible Risk

Fungi are everywhere, but in healthcare, they're often an afterthought. In this episode of Transmission Control, we sit down with internationally recognized medical mycologist Malcolm Richardson to explore the hidden role fungal pathogens play in patient safety. From Aspergillus lurking in dust, ventilation systems, and water-damaged environments to the growing challenge of antifungal resistance, the conversation sheds light on risks that rarely make it into everyday infection prevention discussions. Drawing on more than 50 years of experience in clinical and environmental mycology, Malcolm explains why fungal threats deserve a seat at the infection prevention table, how healthcare facilities can reduce airborne fungal risk, and where current surveillance methods fall short. The episode also looks ahead to emerging technologies that could transform air quality monitoring from a reactive exercise into a proactive patient safety strategy.

If bacteria and viruses dominate the conversation, this episode asks an important question: What are we missing by overlooking fungi?

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