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Collaborative consensus for optimized multilocus sequence typing of Candida albicans
M-E Bougnoux1, A Tavanti, C Bouchier
1Unité Biologie et Pathogénicité Fongiques, CNRS URA 2172, Paris, France.
Journal of Clinical Microbiology
|November 8, 2003
Summary
Multilocus sequence typing (MLST) using seven specific gene fragments successfully identified 86 unique diploid sequence types for 86 Candida albicans isolates. This optimized set is recommended for future Candida albicans strain typing.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Genetics
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Candida albicans is a significant human pathogen.
- Accurate strain typing is crucial for epidemiological studies and infection control.
- Multilocus sequence typing (MLST) is a widely used method for microbial typing.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the optimal set of housekeeping gene fragments for high-resolution MLST of Candida albicans.
- To establish a standardized MLST scheme for C. albicans.
Main Methods:
- Multilocus sequence typing (MLST) was performed on 86 Candida albicans isolates in two laboratories.
- Ten published housekeeping gene fragments were initially analyzed.
- Combinations of five to nine gene fragments were evaluated for their ability to differentiate isolates.
Main Results:
- A minimal set of seven gene fragments (AAT1a, ACC1, ADP1, MPIb, SYA1, VPS13, and ZWF1b) was identified.
- This set successfully generated 86 unique diploid sequence types for the 86 isolates, achieving 100% discriminatory power.
- Analysis confirmed reproducibility across two laboratories.
Conclusions:
- The identified set of seven gene fragments provides a robust and discriminatory MLST scheme for Candida albicans.
- This standardized approach will enhance the accuracy and comparability of epidemiological studies involving C. albicans.
- The recommended MLST scheme facilitates precise strain identification and tracking of C. albicans infections.