Identification and Speciation of Aspergillus in Clinical and Environmental Samples using Culture-Based Methods: A Laboratory-based Study in Hyderabad
Background: Aspergillosis is increasingly recognized as a serious opportunistic infection, particularly among immunocompromised patients. Accurate species-level identification of Aspergillus is critical for selecting appropriate antifungal therapy and implementing effective infection control me...
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| Main Authors: | , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Prathima Institute of Medical Sciences
2025-04-01
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| Series: | Perspectives In Medical Research |
| Online Access: | https://www.pimr.org.in/2025-vol13-issue-1/Original_Article_Juveria_PIMR.pdf |
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| Summary: | Background: Aspergillosis is increasingly recognized as a
serious opportunistic infection, particularly among immunocompromised patients. Accurate species-level identification of Aspergillus is critical for selecting appropriate antifungal therapy and implementing effective infection control measures. This study aimed to identify and characterize Aspergillus species isolated from both clinical specimens and indoor air samples at a tertiary care hospital in
Hyderabad, Telangana, India. Methods: Over a one-year
period, a total of 709 specimens—including nasal mucosa
swabs, tissue biopsies (lung, FESS), blood samples, nail clippings, and passive indoor air seƩle plates—were processed
in the microbiology laboratory. Direct microscopic examination was performed using KOH mount, periodic acid–Schiff
stain, and calcofluor white stain. Specimens showing filamentous fungi were cultured on Sabouraud dextrose agar.
potato dextrose agar, corn meal agar, Czapek medium, and
malt extract agar, and incubated at 25–30 ◦C for 7–10 days.
Species identification was based on detailed assessment of
colony morphology and microscopic features (conidiophore
structure, vesicle shape, phialide arrangement, and conidial
ornamentation), following CLSI guidelines. Results: Out of
709 specimens, Aspergillus species were isolated from 239
samples (33.7%). Thirteen species were identified, with A.
flavus being the most common (33.4%), followed by A. niger
(26.7%), A. fumigatus(19.2%), A. nidulans(4.6%), A. glaucus
(3.3%), A. terreus (2.9%), A. versicolor (2.1%), A. calidoustus
(1.7%), A. glabrata (1.7%), A. parasiticus (1.2%), A. clavatus (1.3%), A. ochraceus (0.8%), and A. tanneri (0.8%). A.
flavus predominated among both clinical and environmental isolates. Conclusion: Conventional morphological methods combined with the use of multiple culture media proved
effective for species-level identification of Aspergillus. Routine surveillance of Aspergillus species in both clinical and
environmental samples can guide targeted antifungal therapy and support proactive infection control in healthcare
environments.
KEYWORDS: Aspergillus, Speciation, Differential Media,
Clinical specimens, Environmental surveillance |
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| ISSN: | 2348-1447 2348-229X |