[Utility of random amplified polymorphic DNA in the discrimination between Candida albicans and Candida dubliniensis]

Candida dubliniensisis a recently described species closely related to Candida albicans. Since the discrimination between both species by conventional mycological methods is not easy, many researchers have been trying DNA-related techniques in order to identify C. dubliniensis correctly. In this study, we propose the use of the random amplification of polymorphic DNA (RAPD) with a commercialized short primer which discriminates between both species. This oligonucleotide, AB1-12, allowed also separating C. albicans isolates into four different genotypes. These genotypes were different from the unique genotype observed in C. dubliniensis.