Electrophoretic karyotypes of Torulopsis glabrata

Chromosome-sized DNA molecules of clinical isolates of Torulopsis glabrata were resolved by a pulsed-field electrophoretic method, contour-clamped homogeneous electric fields. With the conditions established in this study, 8 to 12 bands (ranging from 445 to 3,000 kilobases) were observed. There were differences in the intensities and migrations of bands, consistent with T. glabrata being either haploid or diploid. A total of 22 distinctive electrophoretic patterns were noted among single isolates of T. glabrata recovered from 33 patients. When strains were delineated by an electrophoretic pattern, individuals usually harbored only one strain.