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Prevalence of phthioic acid in Aspergillus species
M Birch1, D B Drucker, V Boote
1University of Manchester Department of Medicine, Hope Hospital, Salford, UK.
Abstract:
We examined fast atom bombardment mass spectra (FAB-MS) of 29 clinical isolates of Aspergillus, from five pathogenic species, for the presence of phthioic acid anions (m/z 395.6) when grown at 37 degrees C. Phthioic acid was detected in only one of 12 A. fumigatus, three of nine A. terreus and one of four A. niger isolates. Phthioic acid is unlikely to be a major pathogenicity determinant of Aspergillus.
Insights
Phthioic acid was rarely detected in pathogenic Aspergillus species grown at 37°C using fast atom bombardment mass spectrometry. This suggests phthioic acid is not a primary factor in Aspergillus pathogenicity.
Area of Science:
- Medical Mycology
- Analytical Chemistry
Background:
- Aspergillus species are significant fungal pathogens.
- Phthioic acids are potential virulence factors in some microorganisms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence of phthioic acid anions in clinical isolates of Aspergillus.
- To assess the role of phthioic acid in Aspergillus pathogenicity.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 29 clinical Aspergillus isolates from five pathogenic species.
- Detection of phthioic acid anions (m/z 395.6) using fast atom bombardment mass spectra (FAB-MS).
- Cultivation of isolates at 37°C.
Main Results:
- Phthioic acid was detected in only 1 of 12 Aspergillus fumigatus isolates.
- Phthioic acid was detected in 3 of 9 Aspergillus terreus isolates.
- Phthioic acid was detected in 1 of 4 Aspergillus niger isolates.
Conclusions:
- Phthioic acid is infrequently present in pathogenic Aspergillus species under tested conditions.
- Phthioic acid is unlikely to be a major determinant of pathogenicity in Aspergillus.