dog and cat assay data sheet
Aspergillus fumigatus
Test code: F0001
- Qualitative detection of
Aspergillus fumigatus fungus by polymerase chain
reaction
The genus Aspergillus includes
several related fungi which cause aspergillosis. One that is
common in the environment is Aspergillus fumigatus.
This fungus produces airborne spores which can spread to a
wide area especially during dry windy weather. Spores can
enter and develop in the respiratory system, lungs, eyes, and
ears. “Sick Building Syndrome” is a condition caused by
continuous fungal growth in areas of buildings and ventilation
systems. Growth leads to the release of more spores. This can
potentially lead to large scale respiratory infections and
distress associated with aspergillosis.
Symptoms of aspergillosis are caused by
endotoxins produced by the fungus. Aspergillosis can be fatal,
especially in immunodeficient individuals.
Human and many animal species such as birds,
dogs, cats, horses and primates can be infected with this
fungus by inhalation of spores from contaminated feed, fecal
material, and soil. Healthy unstressed animals are generally
resistant to even high levels of spores. However, young and
old animals, those on antibiotics, and those whose immune
systems are suppressed by surgery, reproduction, environmental
changes, capture, or shipping are frequently infected. Human
patients with AIDS, cancer or other immunosuppressive diseases
are often victims of this fungal infection.
Since many animals have had prior exposure
to this fungus, serological testing is not useful or reliable.
Culture identification is labor intensive and cultures are
frequently contaminated with other fungi. Molecular detection
by PCR can provide quick, sensitive and specific detection of
the fungus in a variety of specimen types.
Utilities:
- Confirm the disease causing agent
- Shorten the time required to confirm a
clinical diagnosis of Aspergillus infection.
- Ensure that animal groups are free of
this fungus
- Early prevention of spread of this fungus
- Minimize human exposure to this fungus
- Safety monitoring of biological products
that derive from susceptible animals
Specimen requirements:
Throat swab, shipped overnight at room temperature.
For specimen types other than those listed
here, please call to confirm specimen acceptability and
shipping instructions.
For all specimen types, if there will be a
delay in shipping, or during very warm weather, refrigerate
specimens until shipped and ship with a cold pack unless more
stringent shipping requirements are specified. Frozen
specimens should be shipped so as to remain frozen in transit.
See shipping instructions for
more information.
Turnaround time: 2 business
days
Methodology: Qualitative
PCR
Normal range: Nondetected