"Pseudoclusters" and typing by random amplification of polymorphic DNA of Aspergillus fumigatus

• Published in: Journal of clinical pathology Vol. 48; no. 2; pp. 183 - 184
• Main Authors: Loudon, K W, Coke, A P, Burnie, J P
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London BMJ Publishing Group Ltd and Association of Clinical Pathologists 01.02.1995; BMJ; BMJ Publishing Group LTD
• Subjects: Aspergillus fumigatus - classification; Base Sequence; Biological and medical sciences; DNA Primers; DNA, Fungal - analysis; DNA-Directed DNA Polymerase; Gene Amplification; Human mycoses; Humans; Infectious diseases; Medical sciences; Molecular Sequence Data; Mycological Typing Techniques; Mycoses; Mycoses of the respiratory system; RNA-Directed DNA Polymerase; Taq Polymerase; Human; Typing; Mycosis; Fungi; Infection; Polymerase chain reaction; Mycological investigation; Aspergillosis; Fungi Imperfecti; Diagnosis; Molecular biology; Aspergillus fumigatus; Thallophyta
• ISSN: 0021-9746; 1472-4146
• DOI: 10.1136/jcp.48.2.183

This short report serves as a warning to the unwary of possible "pseudoclusters" of infection with Aspergillus fumigatus as shown by the typing system, random amplification of polymorphic DNA (RAPD). This was demonstrated by typing 10 epidemiologically distinct isolates of A fumigatus using two different preparations of Taq DNA polymerase. One of the enzymes did not discriminate between the isolates, giving the false impression that a cluster of infection had occurred. Enzyme source is thus a key variable when using RAPD to distinguish between isolates of A fumigatus.