Virulence Factors Detection in Aspergillus Isolates from Clinical and Environmental Samples
Journal Title: Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research - Year 2017, Vol 11, Issue 7
Abstract
Introduction: Pathogenesis of aspergillosis is dependent on various factors of the host (immune status) and virulence factors of the pathogen which could play a significant role in the pathogenesis of invasive aspergillosis. Aim: To study the virulence factors of Aspergillus species isolated from patient samples and environmental samples. Materials and Methods: This prospective and experimental study was carried out at Department of Microbiology, MGM Medical College and Hospital, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India, from July 2014 to June 2015. For detection of virulence factors of Aspergillus species, total 750 samples were included in this study (350 from patients and 400 samples from environment). Patient samples and hospital environment samples were subjected to standard methods for screening of Biofilm, Lipase, α–amylase, proteinase, haemolysin, phospholipase and pectinase. Statistical analysis was done using Chi-square test and SPSS (Version 17.0). Results: American Type Culture Collection (ATCC) control of Aspergillus oryzae, Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus brasiliensis showed production of all virulence factors. In patient samples maximum virulence factor was produced i.e., α-amylase activity (89.74%) followed by proteinase activity (87.17%), biofilm production was (82.05%) haemolysin activity (79.48%), lipase activity (66.66%), pectinase activity and phospholipase activity (61.53%). In environment samples maximum virulence factor was produced i.e., proteinase activity (41.02%) followed by biofilm production was (38.46%), α-amylase activity (35.89%), haemolysin activity (33.33%), lipase activity (28.20%), phospholipase (25.64%) and pectinase activity (23.07%). The differences in patient and environment virulence factors were statistically significant (p-value <0.05). Conclusion: Overall the presence of virulence factors was found more in Aspergillus species isolated from patient samples then environmental samples. This could be due to invasiveness nature of Aspergilli. Aspergillus niger was common isolates from both patient and environmental samples. Our study highlights the possible transmission of Aspergilli from environment to patient. Detection of virulence factors of Aspergillus species help to differentiate between pathogenic and non-pathogenic Aspergilli. Presence of virulence factors confirmed pathogenicity of the isolates. It also helps the physicians to treat the patient when appropriate treatment is needed.
Authors and Affiliations
Dr. Raksha, Gurjeet Singh, A. D. Urhekar
Toxic Trauma: A Basic Clinical Guide, Second Edition
Book Review
Sex Determination by Biometry of Anterior Features of Human Hip Bones in South Indian Population
Introduction: Sex determination is the first step in establishing the identity of skeletal remains. Many studies included biometry of posterior features of hip bone. Very few studies are reported involving the biometry o...
A Review of Influenza Vaccination among Different Population Groups in Iran
ABSTRACT Annual influenza vaccination is the best means of prevention and control of influenza virus infection and its complications. Efforts to increase influenza vaccines coverage, especially in high-risk groups includ...
Subarachnoid Haemorrhage Following Spinal Anaesthesia in Pregnant Women: A Rare Occurrence
With the increasing trend of caesarean delivery, spinal anaesthesia is the most common anaesthetic procedure performed today. The most common complication following this procedure is post spinal headache. However, more d...
A Case Report on Multiple Stones in the Thyroid Gland in Association with Sclerosing Thyroiditis: An Unusual Encounter
Stones are very frequently found in the gallbladder and urinary tract. Rarely the thyroid gland can be a site for stone formation. Few cases of calcification in thyroid gland have been described in the medical literature...