title: A rapid PCR-based method for identification of four important Candida species.
abstract: The rapid detection and identification of Candida species in clinical laboratories are extremely important for the management of patients with hematogenous candidosis. Currently available culture and biochemical methods for detection and identification of Candida species are time-consuming. This study describes the use of a simple and rapid PCR method using species-specific oligonucleotides for the detection of clinical isolates of Candida species. These species-specific oligonucleotides are complementary to unique sequences within the intergenic transcribed spacer 2, located in between the 5.8S and 28S ribosomal DNA, and generated DNA fragments by both the conventional and hemi-nested PCR reactions. Conventional PCR produced a single DNA fragment of variable size in all isolates, while the hemi-nested PCR produced two discrete DNA fragments, both with the expected sizes of 111bp/57bp (C. albicans), 84bp/42bp (C. glabrata), 94bp/45bp (C. krusei) and 95bp/49bp (C. parapsilosis). In conclusion, the PCR-based method described in this study is fast and specific for the identification of clinically important Candida species.
authors.affiliation: Biological Sciences Department, Hashemite University, Al-Zarqa, Jordan.
authors.forename: Duà
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Nazzal
authors.forename: Salem
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Yasin
authors.forename: Khaled
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Abu-Elteen
mesh_terms: D002175:Candida / Q000145:classification* / Q000235:genetics / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D002177:Candidiasis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000382:microbiology*; D004271:DNA, Fungal / Q000032:analysis / Q000235:genetics; D021903:DNA, Ribosomal Spacer / Q000235:genetics; D006801:Humans; D009841:Oligonucleotides; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction / Q000379:methods*; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity
chemical_list: D004271:DNA, Fungal; D021903:DNA, Ribosomal Spacer; D009841:Oligonucleotides