Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 28, 2026

Detection of Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis in Haematological Malignancy Patients by using Lateral-flow Technology
08:01

Detection of Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis in Haematological Malignancy Patients by using Lateral-flow Technology

Published on: March 22, 2012

Molecular methods for the identification of Aspergillus species

H P Hinrikson1, S F Hurst, L De Aguirre

  • 1Mycotic Diseases Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Road NE, Mailstop G-11, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA.

Medical Mycology
|August 23, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Accurate identification of Aspergillus species is crucial for treating invasive aspergillosis. A new PCR-EIA method rapidly and reliably differentiates Aspergillus species using DNA, improving upon traditional methods.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Mycology
  • Molecular Diagnostics
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Invasive aspergillosis (IA) poses a significant threat to immunocompromised individuals.
  • Emerging Aspergillus species with reduced susceptibility to antifungal drugs necessitate accurate species identification.
  • Traditional identification methods relying on morphology are slow and can be unreliable.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To develop a rapid and accurate molecular method for differentiating medically important Aspergillus species.
  • To overcome limitations of traditional phenotypic identification methods for Aspergillus.

Main Methods:

  • Development of a polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based assay using pan-fungal primers targeting ribosomal genes.
  • Design of species-specific DNA probes targeting the internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) region.
  • Detection of amplicons using a colorimetric enzyme immunoassay (PCR-EIA) format.
  • Comparative GenBank sequence analysis of ITS1, ITS2, and D1-D2 regions for species differentiation.

Main Results:

  • The developed PCR-EIA method demonstrated rapid, sensitive, and specific identification of key Aspergillus species.
  • DNA sequencing of ITS1 and ITS2 regions proved more reliable for species differentiation than the D1-D2 region.
  • The assay successfully differentiated Aspergillus species from other opportunistic molds and yeasts.

Conclusions:

  • The PCR-EIA assay offers a significant advancement for the rapid and accurate identification of Aspergillus species.
  • This molecular approach is a valuable tool for clinical laboratories managing invasive aspergillosis.
  • Accurate species identification is critical for appropriate antifungal therapy selection and improved patient outcomes.

More Related Videos

Histological Quantification to Determine Lung Fungal Burden in Experimental Aspergillosis09:52

Histological Quantification to Determine Lung Fungal Burden in Experimental Aspergillosis

Published on: March 9, 2018

Isolation of Culturable Yeasts and Molds from Soils to Investigate Fungal Population Structure10:33

Isolation of Culturable Yeasts and Molds from Soils to Investigate Fungal Population Structure

Published on: May 27, 2022

Related Concept Videos

Methods of Classification and Identification01:28

Methods of Classification and Identification

Bacterial identification relies on a diverse array of techniques to classify and understand microorganisms, each tailored to uncover specific characteristics. Traditional morphological approaches, while still valuable, are limited for closely related or structurally simple organisms. Modern methods integrate biochemical, serological, genetic, and advanced molecular tools to achieve greater accuracy.Morphological and Biochemical TechniquesMorphological characteristics, such as cell shape and...
Modern Molecular Taxonomy01:29

Modern Molecular Taxonomy

Advancements in molecular biology have revolutionized the identification and characterization of bacteria, with multiple methods leveraging DNA sequencing for enhanced precision. As sequencing technologies improve and costs decline, these approaches are increasingly used in clinical, environmental, and evolutionary studies.Multilocus Sequence Typing (MLST) examines several housekeeping genes, essential chromosomal genes encoding cellular functions, to distinguish strains. Approximately...
Applications of Molecular Taxonomy01:20

Applications of Molecular Taxonomy

Molecular taxonomy has revolutionized the understanding and classification of bacteria, providing precise insights into their diversity, evolutionary relationships, and ecological roles. By utilizing molecular techniques such as DNA sequencing and fingerprinting, researchers have made significant strides in various fields related to bacterial studies.Resolving Taxonomic AmbiguitiesMolecular taxonomy has been instrumental in distinguishing closely related bacterial species initially thought to...
Fungal Phylum Ascomycota01:28

Fungal Phylum Ascomycota

Phylum Ascomycota, a major division within the subkingdom Dikarya, comprises a diverse range of fungal species, including both unicellular yeasts and filamentous molds such as Aspergillus and Penicillium. These fungi thrive in a variety of habitats, from aquatic ecosystems to terrestrial environments, playing crucial ecological and economic roles.Morphology and ReproductionThe defining characteristic of Ascomycetes, commonly referred to as sac fungi, is the ascus—a sac-like structure that...
Rapid Identification of Pathogens01:25

Rapid Identification of Pathogens

MALDI-TOF MS has transformed clinical microbiology by offering a rapid and reliable method for pathogen identification. The traditional approach to microbial identification typically involves time-consuming culture techniques and biochemical tests, which can delay the initiation of appropriate antimicrobial therapy. MALDI-TOF MS avoids these delays by using characteristic ribosomal protein mass patterns of microbial cells, enabling accurate species-level identification within minutes.Principle...