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 othe r Aspergillus species. Procedure PCR primers that were based on the se quence of the alkaline protease gene from human isolates of A fumigatu s were used. Results We successfully tested the method on ostrich isol ates from five states and showed that the lest is specific for A fumig atus. Conclusions In most cases the DNA sequence of A fumigatus isolat es from ostriches is similar to that of human isolates. DNA sequences vary significantly among A fumigatus isolates, including those from af fected 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.