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Advances in molecular detection of Aspergillus: an update
M Z Abdin1, Malik M Ahmad, Saleem Javed
1Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi, 110062, India.
Abstract:
Filamentous cosmopolitan fungi of the genus Aspergillus can be harmful in two ways, directly they can be opportunistic pathogens causing aspergillosis and indirectly due to aflatoxin production on food products which can lead to aflatoxicosis. Therefore, a number of methods have been proposed so far for detection of the fungi with lowest possible concentration at the earliest. Molecular methods such as PCR and/or in combination with certain techniques have been found to be useful for Aspergillus detection. We discuss here various technologies that have emerged in recent years and can possibly be used for the molecular detection of Aspergillus in an efficient way. These methods like RSIC, C-probe, and inversion probe with pyrosequencing or direct ss/dsDNA detection have been used for the identification of fungal or bacterial pathogens and thus formulate a 'gold standard' for Aspergillus detection.
Insights
Early detection of Aspergillus fungi is crucial due to their pathogenic and toxin-producing capabilities. Molecular methods like RSIC and C-probe offer efficient and sensitive detection of Aspergillus species, establishing a new gold standard.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Molecular Biology
- Food Safety
Background:
- Aspergillus fungi pose significant health risks as opportunistic pathogens causing aspergillosis.
- Aflatoxin production by Aspergillus species contaminates food, leading to toxicosis.
- Early and sensitive detection methods for Aspergillus are essential for public health and food safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review emerging molecular technologies for efficient Aspergillus detection.
- To evaluate the potential of novel methods in establishing a 'gold standard' for Aspergillus identification.
Main Methods:
- Discussion of advanced molecular techniques including Real-time Sequence-Initiated Amplification (RSIC), C-probe, and inversion probe assays.
- Exploration of pyrosequencing and direct ss/dsDNA detection for pathogen identification.
- Review of methods previously used for fungal and bacterial pathogen detection.
Main Results:
- Emerging molecular technologies show promise for sensitive and efficient Aspergillus detection.
- Methods like RSIC and C-probe, combined with sequencing or direct DNA detection, offer improved identification capabilities.
- These advanced techniques can potentially serve as a 'gold standard' for Aspergillus detection.
Conclusions:
- Novel molecular methods provide enhanced capabilities for the early and accurate detection of Aspergillus.
- The discussed technologies represent a significant advancement in identifying fungal pathogens.
- Establishing a 'gold standard' for Aspergillus detection is achievable with these innovative molecular approaches.
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