[Genetic typing by PCR of isolates of C. albicans obtained in a resuscitation unit].

BACKGROUND

Typing by PCR (random polymorphic amplification or arbitrarily primed PCR) consists in a random amplification with the use of initiators of unknown homology with respect to the mold sequence. This study is of interest given the development of the technology of the amplification of nucleic acids and its application in the epidemiologic characterization of isolates of C. albicans.

METHODS

Fourteen strains isolates in blood cultures of 8 patients were studied. All were identified as C. albicans. For amplification the sequence of AP3 and ERIC2 were selected.

RESULTS

With one strain a band pattern very different from that obtained with the remaining isolates identified as C. albicans was achieved leading to reidentification and proving that it was C. parapsilopsis. On combining the results obtained with the use of both initiators 7 different genotypes were obtained with the remaining strains: A1, 2B, 3C, 4C, 5D, 6B and 7E.

CONCLUSIONS

The discriminative power of the two initiators was similar although the AP3 was greater obtaining one more genotype than ERIC2. The patients with repeated yeast isolates over time which may be considered as the same episode of bacteremia, each presented the same band pattern and each was infected by one single clone. We herewith confirm the usefulness of typing by PCR with one initiator by reaction. The results may be improved with the combination of the profiles obtained with the use of several sequences if greater discrimination is required. Likewise, its use has shown to be satisfactory in both the identification of clones within one species and the identification of species within the genus.