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Genome sequences of Aspergillus fumigatus strains isolated from wildfowl in Southern Ontario, Canada

Summary

Researchers sequenced the genomes of four Aspergillus fumigatus fungi isolated from infected birds (an osprey, peregrine falcon, and two hawks) brought to wildlife rehabilitation centers in Ontario. This fungus causes a serious infection called aspergillosis that damages the lungs and air sacs of birds. The genetic information from these four strains is now publicly available for scientists studying how this fungus infects birds and how it resists antifungal treatments.

Background

Invasive aspergillosis is a fungal infection caused by Aspergillus species that affects humans and animals, including birds. Rising rates of antifungal resistance limit the efficacy of current treatments for these infections. This study focused on Aspergillus fumigatus isolated from infected wildfowl collected from Wildlife Rehabilitation Centers in Southern Ontario.

Objective

To present the genome sequences of four Aspergillus fumigatus strains isolated from infected wildfowl in Southern Ontario, Canada. The study aimed to confirm infection with A. fumigatus and suggest correlation between fungal infection and wildfowl mortality.

Results

Four A. fumigatus genome assemblies were successfully generated from wildfowl isolates with genome sizes ranging from 27.96 to 28.14 Mb and completeness between 96.8% and 97.7%. Phenotypic and phylogenetic assessment confirmed infection with A. fumigatus in the samples. Genome sequences are publicly available in GenBank with corresponding raw reads in the Sequence Read Archive.

Conclusion

The genome sequences of these four A. fumigatus strains from wildfowl provide valuable data for understanding fungal infection in avian species. This work contributes to understanding the genomic basis of antifungal resistance and pathogenesis in wildlife aspergillosis cases.
  • Published in:Microbiology Resource Announcements,
  • Study Type:Genomic Study,
  • Source: PMID: 41114519
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