Identification of Clinical Isolates of Candida using Duplex PCR

Candida albicans is still the main etiologic agent of candidiasis. However, infections of non-albicans Candida species are increasing. Candida dubliniensis is similar to C. albicans phenotypically and must be identified due to the better management of infection. The aim of the present study is to defferentiate and identify Candida species by Duplex PCR for getting an epidemiological data of Candida species among clinical specimens.
DNA was extracted using phenol-chloroform method from fresh colonies. Internal Transcribed Spacer region was amplified by polymerase chain reaction using specific primers. Based on differences of bands sizes on agarose gel electrophoresis, species were identified.
Ninety four out of 100 patients (49 males and 51 females) had predisposing factors in the present study. Diabetes (73.4%), use of antibiotic (6.3%), vitamin deficiency (4.3%) were the main predisposing factors. The most specimens belonged to mouth (75%), vagina (5%), and blood (4%). All isolates were identified as C. albicans.
Duplex PCR is a rapid and precise method for the detection and differentiation of Candida species carefully, and in this method, phenotypic tests like germ-tube and chlamydoconidia production, as well as biochemical tests are not required for clinical laboratories that have limited resources and time for response to the patients, and it can replace with the traditional methods.