Molecular method for the detection of resistance aspergillus fumigatus to some antifungal agents

Abstract

Background: Aspergillus fumigatus is a clinically important opportunistic fungal pathogen linked with pulmonary aspergillosis, especially in immunocompromised individuals. Antifungal resistance and genetic diversity among isolates threaten effective disease management. Rapid molecular typing methods like RAPD help monitor isolate relationships and epidemiological trends.

Objective: To determine antifungal resistance profiles and explore genetic diversity and phylogenetic relationships among clinical A. fumigatus isolates from Iraqi patients using RAPD markers.

Methods: Forty-five sputum samples from patients aged 33–82 years were collected across Iraqi governorates (August–December 2022). Of these, 41 tested positive, and 20 were selected for further analysis. Antifungal susceptibility testing and RAPD analysis using four primers (including OP-M06 and OP-R06) were performed. Genetic distances and dendrogram analysis were conducted.

Results: AFU1, AFU12, and AFU31 showed the highest antifungal resistance. RAPD produced 111 bands, including 14 common and 9 unique bands, ranging from 100–2000 bp. Polymorphism ranged from 33–100%. Genetic distances ranged from 0.228 to 0.669. Dendrogram clustering showed close phylogenetic relationships among isolates with common geographic origins.

Conclusion: Iraqi A. fumigatus isolates exhibit significant antifungal resistance and genetic diversity. RAPD analysis revealed geographic clustering, suggesting regional transmission and a link between origin and genetic relatedness.