Molecular probes for the identification of medically important Candida species and differentiation of Candida albicans strains

Differentiation of the medically Important yeasts of the genus Candida Is difficult not only for the research laboratory but especially for the clinical laboratory. Likewise, distinguishing C albicans strains Is difficult but necessary for source studies of recurrent vaginitls.

This study explores a new method for Identification of Candlda species, as well as differentiation of C. albicans strains, using a genetic approach. Whole cell DNA Isolated from various species of Candlda was digested with restriction endonucleases* electrophoresed* Southern blotted to nitrocellulose and probed with the cloned actin gene of C. albicans SR 1010. Each species gave Its own distinct restriction enzyme pattern which can be used to distinguish that species. Mitochondrlal DNA was Isolated from C. albicans SR 1010 and used as a probe against restriction enzyme digested whole cell DNA of C. albicans strains that was electrophoresed and Southern blotted to nitrocellulose. The EcoRI and Pvu II double digests fragment sizes that were produced were used to place thirty-three C. albicans/ C. Stellatoidea strains within fourteen groups. The results of the two types of probes also Indicates that C stellatoidea and C. albicans are synomynous.