Development of a method for the identification, using the polymerase chain reaction, of Aspergillus fumigatus isolated from ostriches

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 lest 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.