Detection of GLIP as virulence gene in Aspergillus fumigatus Isolates from Cutaneous canine Aspergillosis

Abstract

Background: Canine aspergillosis, an opportunistic fungal infection that can cause severe respiratory and systemic clinical signs in dogs, is primarily caused by Aspergillus fumigatus. Because of its progressive character and challenges in early detection, the disease is regarded as a significant veterinary issue. Finding virulence-associated genes that may contribute to the pathogenicity and severity of infection is necessary to improve diagnostic accuracy.
Methods: A total of one hundred oral and pharyngeal swab samples were taken from dogs in Diyala Province, Iraq, who had respiratory symptoms and suspected fungal infections between September 1, 2025, and February 13, 2026. The samples were identified using microscopic traits and macroscopic colony morphology after being cultivated on Sabouraud Dextrose Agar (SDA) under conventional laboratory conditions. Fourteen isolates of Aspergillus fumigatus were chosen for molecular examination. Using a commercial fungal DNA extraction kit, genomic DNA was isolated in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. The gliP gene (168 bp), a potential virulence-associated gene, was the target of conventional PCR. Under UV light, 1.5% agarose gel electrophoresis was used to examine the amplified PCR products.
Aim: This study's primary goal was to separate Aspergillus fumigatus from dog clinical samples and use traditional PCR as a molecular diagnostic method to identify the gliP virulence gene.
Results: 11 out of 14 Aspergillus fumigatus isolates (78.6%) had the gliP gene, according to conventional PCR. Positive samples produced a distinct 168 bp amplicon, indicating effective gene amplification. The findings showed a strong relationship between the existence of verified fungal isolates and molecular detection.
Conclusions: In Aspergillus fumigatus isolates from dogs, conventional PCR provides a quick, sensitive, and trustworthy molecular technique for identifying the gliP virulence gene. This approach improves understanding of the molecular basis of canine aspergillosis, aids early infection detection, and increases diagnostic accuracy.
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