Journal of Torbat Heydariyeh University of Medical Sciences

Background and Aim:  PCR has high sensitivity and specificity for the determination offungal DNA. It is also useful for rapid identification of the most common species of Aspergillus. The purpose of this study was to compare culture method with nested PCR method to determine Aspergillesion in diabetic foot patient in Imam Khomeini Hospital, Tehran.

Material and Methods: Sixty-five cases of suspicious diabetic foot lesion Aspergillusis were examined under culture and molecular method. Aspergillus isolates were identified to genus level on the SGA. DNA extraction performed and PCR and Nested PCR reactions were done. Serum samples were collected and ELISA for anti bodies against all species were performed. Results were analyzed using ANOVA and P was considered significant at P<0.05.

Results: Of the total of 65 samples, 39 were diagnosed as Aspergillos is obtained from cultures. In PCR and Nested PCR using specific primers, 41 samples were diagnosed as Aspergillus.PCR and Nested PCR for species recognition were equal but differences in gender were recognized. ELISA results showed that 39 samples were positive.

Conclusion: Although PCR is less sensitive than nested PCR, but we can recognize the most common pathogenic species, Aspergillus fumigatus. Our results showed significant differences between the results of culture and nested-PCR in the identification of the  Aspergillus genus.