Abstract:

Objective　To investigate the genotype and antifungal susceptibility of Aspergillus species isolated from clinical settings and environmental sources. Methods Random amplification of polymorphic DNA （RAPD） analysis was performed to profile the genotypes of 48 Aspergillus fumigatus strains, 59 Aspergillus flavus strains and 30 Aspergillus niger strains isolated from clinical settings and environmental sources. NCCLS M38-A protocol was carried out for antifungal susceptibility testing of these Aspergillus isolates. Results As RAPD analysis showed, the 48 Aspergillus fumigatus strains were classified into 8 genotypes, 59 Aspergillus flavus strains into 12 genotypes, and 30 Aspergillus niger strains into 5 genotypes. A significant difference was observed in the susceptibility to terbinafine among the 8 genotypes of Aspergillus fumigatus （χ2 = 33.092, P < 0.01） as well as in that to amphotericin B among the 5 genotypes of Aspergillus niger （χ2 = 15.185, P < 0.05）. No statistical difference was found in the susceptibility to amphotericin B, itraconazole, fluconazole or flucytosine among the 8 genotypes of Aspergillus fumigatus or in that to terbinafine, itraconazole, fluconazole or flucytosine among the 5 genotypes of Aspergillus niger. Conclusion There is some difference in the susceptibility to some antifungal agents between different genotypes of Aspergillus fumigatus and Aspergillus niger.

Key words: [Key words] Aspergillus, Genotyping, Antifungal susceptibility