Molecular Detection of Aspergillus in Sputum of Patients with Lower Respiratory Tract Infections

BACKGROUND: Raised incidences of respiratory tract infections due to fungal agents in immunocompetent individuals are a cause of concern due to the unavailability of rapid diagnostic methods. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sputum and serum samples were collected from patients having lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs), serum samples were screened for the presence of anti Aspergillus antibodies and sputum samples were homogenized and processed for identification of Aspergillus by conventional methods and further subjected to polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using genus-specific ITS 4-5 primers. RESULTS: PCR identified Aspergillus in 28% sputum samples, which was high as compared to conventional methods. CONCLUSION: Simple conventional PCR technique proves to be useful screening in for early identification of Aspergillus colonization in patients with LRTI, which can prevent irreversible damage in their lungs by fungal invasion.