Molecular identification of Aspergillus species collected for the Transplant-Associated Infection Surveillance Network

J Clin Microbiol. 2009 Oct;47(10):3138-41. doi: 10.1128/JCM.01070-09. Epub 2009 Aug 12.

Abstract

A large aggregate collection of clinical isolates of aspergilli (n = 218) from transplant patients with proven or probable invasive aspergillosis was available from the Transplant-Associated Infection Surveillance Network, a 6-year prospective surveillance study. To determine the Aspergillus species distribution in this collection, isolates were subjected to comparative sequence analyses by use of the internal transcribed spacer and beta-tubulin regions. Aspergillus fumigatus was the predominant species recovered, followed by A. flavus and A. niger. Several newly described species were identified, including A. lentulus and A. calidoustus; both species had high in vitro MICs to multiple antifungal drugs. Aspergillus tubingensis, a member of the A. niger species complex, is described from clinical specimens; all A. tubingensis isolates had low in vitro MICs to antifungal drugs.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Antifungal Agents / pharmacology
  • Aspergillosis / microbiology*
  • Aspergillus / classification*
  • Aspergillus / genetics*
  • Aspergillus / isolation & purification
  • DNA, Fungal / chemistry
  • DNA, Fungal / genetics
  • DNA, Ribosomal Spacer / chemistry
  • DNA, Ribosomal Spacer / genetics
  • Humans
  • Immunocompromised Host
  • Microbial Sensitivity Tests
  • Sequence Analysis, DNA
  • Transplantation / adverse effects*
  • Tubulin / genetics

Substances

  • Antifungal Agents
  • DNA, Fungal
  • DNA, Ribosomal Spacer
  • Tubulin