M E Katz1, S C Love, H S Gill, B F Cheetham. 1. Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of New England, Armidale, New South Wales.
Abstract
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. DESIGN: A biochemical trial. SAMPLE POPULATION: Twelve Aspergillus fumigatus isolates and three other Aspergillus species. PROCEDURE: 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.
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. DESIGN: A biochemical trial. SAMPLE POPULATION: Twelve Aspergillus fumigatus isolates and three other Aspergillus species. PROCEDURE: 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.