Identification of Candida species causing Vaginal Candidiasis Using Multiplex PCR

Aims: To determine the sensitivity and specificity of a multiplex PCR assay for the identification of major species of candida involved in vaginal candidiasis, and evaluation of this method in comparison with routine phenotypic culture identification. Methods: 100 isolates of candida from vaginal swabs were collected. Research and identification of Candida spp, with routine phenotypic culture identification (germ-tube test in serum at 37°C for 3 hours), were performed. Each sample was analyzed with multiplex PCR. Samples given discrepant results between routine phenotypic and PCR identification methods were resubcultured onCHROMagar Candida plates. The fungus-specific primers ITS1, ITS2, CA3, and CA4 were used. For the identification of other species (C kefyr, C famata and C dubliniensis), ITS1F, ITS1K, and ITS2D primers were used. Results: Multiplex PCR correctly identified all samples, including those with single species, or with mixed species. Conclusion: This multiplex PCR assay provides a good method to confirm the conventional culture based technique for the identification and speciation of the most frequently isolated Candida species.