Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 8, 2026
Visualization of Candida albicans in the Murine Gastrointestinal Tract Using Fluorescent In Situ Hybridization
Published on: November 5, 2019
Molecular fingerprinting methods for the discrimination between C. albicans and C. dubliniensis
K H Neppelenbroek1, N H Campanha, D M P Spolidorio
1Department of Dental Materials and Prosthodontics, Araraquara Dental School, São Paulo State University, São Paulo, Brazil.
Abstract:
Opportunistic fungal pathogens are becoming increasingly important causes of both community-acquired and nosocomial infections. The most important fungal pathogens are yeast species belonging to the genus Candida. These species show differences in levels of resistance to antifungal agents and mortality. Consequently, it is important to correctly identify the causative organism to the species level. Identification of Candida dubliniensis in particular remains problematic because of the high degree of phenotypic similarity between this species and Candida albicans. However, as the differences between both are most pronounced at the genetic level, several studies have been conducted in order to provide a specific and rapid identification fingerprinting molecular test. In most candidal infectious, no single DNA fingerprinting technique has evolved as a dominant method, and each method has its advantages, disadvantages and limitations. Moreover, the current challenge of these techniques is to compile standardized patterns in a database for interlaboratory use and future reference. This review provides an overview of most common molecular fingerprinting techniques currently available for discrimination of C. albicans and C. dubliniensis.
Insights
Accurate identification of Candida species is crucial due to varying antifungal resistance. This review details molecular fingerprinting techniques for distinguishing Candida albicans and Candida dubliniensis, aiding clinical diagnostics.
Area of Science:
- Medical Mycology
- Molecular Biology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Opportunistic fungal pathogens, particularly Candida species, are significant causes of community-acquired and hospital-acquired infections.
- Candida species exhibit varying resistance to antifungal agents and associated mortality rates, necessitating precise species-level identification.
- Distinguishing Candida dubliniensis from the closely related Candida albicans is challenging due to their phenotypic similarities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and compare common molecular fingerprinting techniques for differentiating Candida albicans and Candida dubliniensis.
- To highlight the challenges and limitations associated with current molecular identification methods.
- To discuss the need for standardized databases for interlaboratory use and future reference.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on molecular fingerprinting techniques for Candida species identification.
- Analysis of various DNA fingerprinting methods, including their advantages, disadvantages, and limitations.
- Focus on techniques applicable to the discrimination between Candida albicans and Candida dubliniensis.
Main Results:
- No single DNA fingerprinting technique has emerged as universally dominant for candidal infections.
- Several molecular methods offer specific and rapid identification capabilities for Candida species.
- Standardization of patterns and database compilation remain key challenges for interlaboratory applications.
Conclusions:
- Molecular fingerprinting is essential for accurate species-level identification of Candida, particularly for differentiating C. albicans and C. dubliniensis.
- The development of standardized, reliable molecular tests is critical for improving clinical diagnostics and patient outcomes.
- Further research is needed to establish robust databases and interlaboratory consensus on Candida identification techniques.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Modern Molecular Taxonomy
01:28Methods of Classification and Identification
01:20Applications of Molecular Taxonomy