Abstract

RUIZ, Alba Cecilia; CALDERON, Diana Milena  and  GOMEZ, Jorge Enrique. Molecular variation of Candida spp. isolates using Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD), from women in Armenia, Colombia. Infect. [online]. 2009, vol.13, n.1, pp.21-35. ISSN 0123-9392.

Objectives: To characterize the Candida species in samples of routine vaginal cytology in Armenia (Colombia) and their relationship with symptoms. Also, to select the adequate primer for a random amplified polymorphismc DNA analysis (RAPD) applied to the Candida species to determine the level of genetic relation. Materials and methods: A total of 226 samples of vaginal secretions were obtained in patients that assist for routine preventive vaginal cytology. The samples were cultured in Sabouraud and then germ tube assay and carbohydrates assimilation test were performed. Three primers were assayed to determine the best for a reproducible RAPD technique. Results: The prevalence of Sabouraud positive cultures was 31.8% (77 of 226 samples) and Candida albicans was the predominant species, representing 71% (55 de 77 samples). Vaginitis symptoms were more frequent in women with positive Sabouraud cultures (93%) vs. women with negative Sabouraud cultures (37%). The best extraction method for DNA extraction was freezing and thawing cycles followed by enzymatic lyses with lyticase. In 47 isolates of Candida species, the best primer that resulted in significant polymorphisms was the OPA 9. A 95% similarity coefficient was obtained 6 clusters. Clusters IV and V only included C. albicans isolates producing symptoms. In cluster V all the isolates were from the same consultation center. Conclusions: C. albicans was the predominant yeast in Armenia and was related with a greater frequency of symptoms. The RAPD technique with OPA9 primer in Armenia, unravel genetic relations of C. albicans isolates that could be used for epidemiological studies.

Keywords : Candida; vaginitis; yeast; RAPD; polymorphisms; molecular epidemiology.

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