Molecular characterization of and in the oral cavity of drug abusers using duplex polymerase chain reaction.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

is closely related to the most pathogenic and prevalent yeast, namely species can opportunistically overgrow in vulnerable individuals and cause a variety of diseases. The current study aimed to identify and isolate species present in the species complex identified in the oral cavity of drug abusers.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study was conducted on 53 strains of species complex, isolated from the oral mucosa of drug abusers in Isfahan, Iran. DNA extraction was accomplished through boiling procedure. Duplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed to amplify ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 region using four specific primers. Fungal species were identified based on the difference in the size of the bands created in the Agarose gel.

RESULTS

Out of the 53 isolates under study, 30 (56.6%) and 14 (26.4%) samples were identified as and , respectively. In the remaining 9 samples (17%), both types of species were confirmed.

CONCLUSION

The findings of the present study revealed the presence of a noticeable amount of in the oral cavity of drug abusers. Therefore, the probable presence of this fungus should be considered during the examination of oral infection among this group. To date, no research has directly investigated this issue in Iran.