Phenotypic Identification And Molecular Characterization Of Gliotoxin producing Aspergillus fumigatus Isolated From Hunters With Special Emphasis To Clinical Manifestations and Risk Factors In Diyala Province –Iraq

Abstract

Aim: Isolation of A. fumigatus from hunters, identification of A. fumigatus by phenotypic characteriza-tion and PCR technique , detection of A. fumigatus gliotoxin by real time PCR, evaluation of relationship between A. fumigatus infection and possible risk factors among hunters In Diyala province –Iraq . Methods: Ninety nine swabs from mouth, nose and ear of hunters with respiratory signs in Diyala province were included. Samples were cultured on Sabouraud Dextrose Agar. A. fumigatus was identified according to morphological features . Genomic DNA was isolated from fungal growth and universal pri-mers ITS1 and ITS4 were utilized to confirm the isolates . Results : A.fumigatus was isolate from hunters mouth ,nose and ear respectively . All A.fumigatus isolates were producers for gliotoxin .Age, education level ,economic status and source of water play no role in minimizing infection with A.fumigatus among hunters .Unilateral facial swelling associated with A.fumigatus isolation from mouth .Unilateral facial swelling, sinus congestion and pain, necrotic black lesions on the hard palate, necrotic black lesions on the nasal turbinate and drainage of black pus from eyes associated with A.fumigatus isolation from nose .Unilateral facial swelling, sinus congestion and pain, necrotic black lesions on the hard palate associated with A.fumigatus isolation from ear. Conclusions : A. fumigatus infection represent serious problem for hunters . Mouth, nose and ear respec-tively exposed to gliotoxin producing A. fumigatus with certain clinical manifestation . Age, education level ,economic status and source of water play no role in minimizing infection with A.fumigatus among hunters.