Multiplex-PCR-based differentiation and characterization of Candida-isolates derived from tortoises (Testudinidae)

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Mycology
• Molecular Diagnostics
• Microbiology

Background:

• Candida species are opportunistic fungal pathogens that can infect various animals, including reptiles.
• Accurate and rapid identification of Candida species is crucial for effective diagnosis and treatment in veterinary medicine.
• Conventional identification methods can be time-consuming and may lack specificity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a multiplex-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay for the rapid and accurate identification of common Candida species.
• To compare the efficacy of the PCR assay with conventional identification techniques.

Main Methods:

• Multiplex-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was employed to analyze 23 Candida isolates from Testudinidae.
• The PCR assay targeted the chs1-gene for species-specific amplification.
• Five reference strains of Candida albicans, Candida tropicalis, Candida parapsilosis, Candida glabrata, and Candida krusei were included for validation.

Main Results:

• The multiplex-PCR assay successfully generated distinct, species-specific amplicons for all investigated Candida isolates.
• Clear and unambiguous identification of Candida tropicalis, Candida albicans, and Candida parapsilosis was achieved.
• No discrepancies were observed between the PCR-based identification and conventional methods.

Conclusions:

• The developed multiplex-PCR assay provides a rapid, accurate, and reliable method for identifying key Candida species.
• This PCR technique serves as a valuable alternative to conventional methods for Candida identification in veterinary diagnostics.
• The assay demonstrates potential for routine use in clinical and research settings for Candida species identification.