Aspergillus flavus genetic structure at a turkey farm
Ghaya Cherif1,2, Ines Hadrich3, Myriam Harrabi2,4
1Laboratory of Parasitology and Mycology UR17SP 03, La Rabta Hospital, Tunis, Tunisia.
Veterinary Medicine and Science
|November 29, 2022
Summary
Environmental and avian Aspergillus flavus (A. flavus) populations show distinct genetic structures. This suggests genome-based adaptation in A. flavus isolates causing avian aspergillosis in poultry.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Veterinary Pathology
- Population Genetics
Background:
- Aspergillus flavus is a common fungus found in the environment.
- It is also a significant cause of life-threatening infections in birds.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the genetic diversity and population structure of A. flavus.
- Samples were collected from turkey lungs and the farm environment.
Main Methods:
- Isolates were identified using morphology and ITS sequencing.
- Multilocus microsatellite genotyping was performed with six markers.
- Population genetic indices were calculated using FSTAT and STRUCTURE.
Main Results:
- Environmental A. flavus isolates (n=63) had 36 genotypes (diversity=0.57).
- Avian A. flavus isolates (n=19) had 17 genotypes (diversity=0.89).
- Environmental and avian populations showed distinct genetic structures, with evidence of gene flow.
Conclusions:
- Environmental and avian A. flavus populations exhibit different genetic structures.
- This indicates adaptation at the genomic level for isolates causing avian aspergillosis.
Keywords:
Aspergillus flavusBayesian modelF-statisticsMeleagris gallopavoaspergillosisavian aspergillosisenvironmentgenetic structuremicrosatellite markerspopulation geneticstyping
