Molecular evaluation of candida species as etiologic agents of onychomycosis

The aim of the present study is rapid and precise identification of yeast species isolated from nail of patients with clinical features of onychomycosis using PCR-RFLP technique.

50 patients with involvement of 29 fingernails and 21 toenails were enrolled in the study. Different yeast species were identified by conventional mycological. The PCR-RFLP was tested on yeast isolated and the PCR-RFLP products were separated by electrophoresis in 2% agarose gel, with DNA stain.

The main causative agents were yeasts in 12 cases (24%). Candida albicans was the most commonly isolated yeast species followed by Candida parapsilosis (6%), and Candida glabrata (4 %).

PCR-RFLP method using ITS1-ITS4 primers and MspI restriction enzymes is a rapid, accurate and cost-effective method for specific diagnosis of the most prevalent candida spp. Its ability to detect low amounts of fungal DNA in patient samples in 6-8 hours could be useful for clinical laboratories for optimal management of these infections.