Development of a method for the identification, using the polymerase chain reaction, of Aspergillus fumigatus isolated from ostriches.
OBJECTIVE
To develop a method for identifying DNA of Aspergillus fumigatus from ostriches, using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). A fumigatus is the principal causative agent of avian aspergillosis.


METHODS
A biochemical trial.


METHODS
Twelve Aspergillus fumigatus isolates and three other Aspergillus species.


METHODS
PCR primers that were based on the sequence of the alkaline protease gene from human isolates of A fumigatus were used.


RESULTS
We successfully tested the method on ostrich isolates from five states and showed that the test is specific for A fumigatus.


CONCLUSIONS
In most cases the DNA sequence of A fumigatus isolates from ostriches is similar to that of human isolates. DNA sequences vary significantly among A fumigatus isolates, including those from affected ostriches in the same flock. The genetic variation may be used to trace aspergillus infections in ostrich flocks and determine if the disease is transmitted by contact with infected birds.
Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of New England, Armidale, New South Wales.
M E
ME
Katz
S C
SC
Love
H S
HS
Gill
B F
BF
Cheetham
D000818:Animals; D001228:Aspergillosis / Q000382:microbiology / Q000662:veterinary*; D001232:Aspergillus fumigatus / Q000201:enzymology / Q000235:genetics / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D001715:Bird Diseases / Q000382:microbiology*; D001717:Birds; D015139:Blotting, Southern; D017931:DNA Primers / Q000737:chemistry; D004271:DNA, Fungal / Q000032:analysis*; D004587:Electrophoresis, Agar Gel; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction / Q000662:veterinary; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D012697:Serine Endopeptidases / Q000235:genetics
D017931:DNA Primers; D004271:DNA, Fungal; D012697:Serine Endopeptidases; C026109:oryzin