[Interspecies differentiation of Candida albicans (Robin, 1853) Berkhout, 1923 strains from multifocal invasions--their identity or similarity parameters].

The subject of analysis is a pathogenic species of fungi that has the highest prevalence in the word--Candida albicans. The aim of this study was to determine the identity and similarity of strains for the diagnosis of multifocal (concerning two or more organs) invasions. The material was comprised of 210 strains isolated from 83 women from 6 various ontocenoses: in group I--from the vagina, oral cavity and rectum, in group II--from the vagina and oral cavity, in group III--from the oral cavity, oesophagus, stomach, duodenum and rectum. Three tests were used in this study; API 20 C and API 20 AUX tests were used to differentiate interspecies biochemical features, and identify the codes of individual strains, while the API ZYM test was used to evaluate extracellular hydrolase activity and compare their enzymograms. Strain biotyping was also conducted with the use of binomial distribution 1:4:6:4:1. Comparing the codes of strains from successive sections of the alimentary tract identified pentafocal, tetrafocal, trifocal and bifocal invasions. The analysis of the enzymograms from all strains allowed the diagnosis of trifocal and bifocal candidosis. Consecutive hydrolase activity and biotyping evaluation demonstrated the similarity of strains from various ontocenoses. Interspecies differentiation of Candida albicans strains is relevant for the determination of the identity and similarity of strains, leading to multifocal infection diagnosis and localization, as well as choosing appropriate treatment.