Lack of Candida africana and Candida dubliniensis in vaginal Candida albicans isolates in Turkey using HWP1 gene polymorphisms

Mycopathologia. 2011 Jul;172(1):73-6. doi: 10.1007/s11046-011-9401-2. Epub 2011 Mar 6.

Abstract

Candida africana differs from the common strains of C. albicans and C. dubliniensis morphologically, physiologically, genetically, and, in particular, clinically. This fungal pathogen is primarily recovered from genital specimens, especially in vaginal specimens. In this investigation, we reexamined 195 vaginal C. albicans isolates for the presence of C. africana and C. dubliniensis by using hyphal wall protein 1 (HWP1) gene polymorphisms. All study isolates were confirmed to be C. albicans, and none were verified as either C. africana or C. dubliniensis. In conclusion, the HWP1 gene polymorphisms offer a useful tool in the discrimination of C. africana, C. albicans, and C. dubliniensis. Further studies may highlight the pathogenesis and importance of this yeast in vulvovaginal candidiasis.

MeSH terms

  • Candida / classification*
  • Candida / genetics*
  • Candida / isolation & purification
  • Candidiasis, Vulvovaginal / microbiology*
  • Female
  • Fungal Proteins / genetics*
  • Humans
  • Membrane Glycoproteins / genetics*
  • Polymorphism, Genetic*
  • Turkey

Substances

  • Fungal Proteins
  • HWP1 protein, Candida albicans
  • Membrane Glycoproteins