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