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Characterization of beta-tubulin DNA sequences within Candida parapsilosis complex

Mahboobeh Kharazi1, Bahram Ahmadi2, Koichi Makimura3

  • 1Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, International Campus, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.

Current Medical Mycology
|September 7, 2018
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

The beta-tubulin gene effectively distinguishes species within the Candida parapsilosis complex, aiding in the identification and phylogenetic analysis of these common fungal pathogens. This study highlights its utility in understanding yeast taxonomy.

Area of Science:

  • Mycology and Medical Microbiology
  • Molecular Biology and Genetics
  • Yeast Taxonomy and Phylogenetics

Background:

  • Candida parapsilosis complex is a significant cause of candidemia and various infections, particularly in immunocompromised individuals.
  • Accurate identification and differentiation of species within the C. parapsilosis complex are crucial for effective clinical management and epidemiological studies.
  • Existing identification methods may require refinement for precise species delineation within this complex.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the intra- and inter-species variation within the beta-tubulin DNA sequence of the Candida parapsilosis complex.
  • To establish the utility of the beta-tubulin gene for the accurate identification of C. parapsilosis complex species.
  • To assess the potential of beta-tubulin DNA sequences for phylogenetic analysis within the C. parapsilosis complex.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized 23 isolates from three species within the C. parapsilosis complex, identified previously by ITS sequencing.
  • Employed newly designed pan-Candida primers for the amplification of the beta-tubulin gene.
  • Conducted bilateral sequence analysis, multiple alignments, and phylogenetic tree construction to assess sequence variations.

Main Results:

  • Beta-tubulin gene sequencing revealed inter-species divergence of 0-68 nucleotides among C. parapsilosis, C. orthopsilosis, and C. metapsilosis, with a mean similarity of 84.7%.
  • Intra-species differences were found to be 0-20 nt in C. parapsilosis and 0-6 nt in C. orthopsilosis strains.
  • Phylogenetic analysis showed C. parapsilosis and C. orthopsilosis forming a distinct clade, while C. metapsilosis presented a separate lineage.

Conclusions:

  • Beta-tubulin DNA sequence data is highly effective for the identification and taxonomic classification of species within the C. parapsilosis complex.
  • The findings provide a foundation for further research into the evolutionary relationships among C. parapsilosis complex species.
  • This genetic marker demonstrates significant potential for routine use in clinical and research settings for pathogenic yeast identification.
Keywords:
Beta-tubulinCandida parapsilosisSequence analysis

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