Identification of Candida species associated with vulvovaginal candidiasis by comparison of new molecular and culture methods in 2013

Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is a common problem in women. The objectives of this study were to compare two identification methods، i. e. new PCR analysis (with DNA extracted from sapmles) and conventional culture technique in the detection of Candida species in vulvo-vaginal samples. In an experimental-analytical study، 150 sexually active women participated in this study Vaginal discharge was sampled using two sterile Dacron swabs، of which one used for Direct DNA extraction as well as PCR and the other for culture and phenotypic evaluations. Phenotypic evaluations was performed by germ tube and chlamidospore formation and specially culture in chrome agar medium to detect color of the colonies. PCR was performed by DNA extracted from samples as templates and finally size of Candida specific amplicons were determined. From 150 samples، 87 were positive in culture and 128 were positive in new PCR technique. In culture method، from total 87 Candida species، 73 C. albicans، 12 C. glabrata and 2 C. tropicalis were isolated whereas in new PCR technique، from total 128 candida species، 108 C. albicans، 18 C. glabrata and 2 C. tropicalis were identified. Concordance of the two methods were calculated as 68%.