D409 - Aspergillus spp.

Description:

Aspergillus is a filamentous, cosmopolitan and ubiquitous fungus found in nature. It is commonly isolated from soil, plant debris, and indoor air environments. The genus Aspergillus includes over 185 species. Approximately 20 of these species have been reported as causative agents of opportunistic infections in man. Infection caused by Aspergillus is known as aspergillosis. Aspergillosis is a zoonotic infection and can be transmitted to humans from animals. Infection has been observed in dogs, cats, reptiles and avian species. In dogs and cats, Aspergillus generally causes either nasal or pulmonary and disseminated infections. Nasal infection is most commonly associated with A. fumigatus while dissemination is associated with A. terreus. Nasal aspergillosis in dogs usually remains confined to the nasal cavity or paranasal sinus, but marked destruction of turbinate mucosa and bone is nearly always seen. Canine nasal aspergillosis usually occurs without concurrent immunosuppressive disease, and affected dogs are usually in excellent health. The main clinical features of disease in canines include profuse nasal discharge, nasal pain, ulceration of the external nares, and frontal sinus infection.
In avian species, aspergillosis is usually contracted by the inhalation or oral ingestion of spores after exposure to moldy food or contaminated bedding. Many sources report aspergillosis as the most frequently occurring fungal infection in birds. Aspergillosis spores are widespread in the environment and many birds may carry them in their lungs and air sacks until immunosuppression or stress triggers clinical disease. Typically, A. fumigatus is the most common Aspergillus species responsible for infection in birds. Symptoms range from respiratory distress, gasping, accelerated breathing, voice changes, abnormal droppings, emaciation, regurgitation, and lesions (yellow or grey nodules and/or plaques in the lungs, air sacs or trachea).

Diagnosis:

Early diagnosis of aspergillosis is important because early treatment may resolve this potentially fatal infection. Serological tests such as those involving the detection of antibodies for Aspergillus species are less helpful because of the poor antibody responses in immunosuppressed animals. In addition, the methods used for detecting circulating Aspergillus antigens, such as radioimmunoassay, immunoblotting assay, enzyme immunoassay, and the latex agglutination test, have poor sensitivity. PCR-based testing for the detection of DNA specific for Aspergillus is a highly sensitive method to confirm infection. This method is even suitable for immunocompromised animals since detection of antibodies is avoided.

Sample:

1. Whole Blood in a lavender top (EDTA) tube: 3 ml for canines and felines and 0.1-0.3 ml for avian samples.
2. Swab of infected area.

Special Handling:

Store samples at 4°C until pick up or shipment.

Test Code:

D409