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Updated: Oct 29, 2025
Whole Genome Sequencing of Candida glabrata for Detection of Markers of Antifungal Drug Resistance
Published on: December 28, 2017
Molecular typing of multi-drug resistant Candida albicans isolated from the Segamat community, Malaysia
Marie Andrea Laetitia Huët1, Nazmul Hasan Muzahid1, Chuen Zhang Lee1
1School of Science, Monash University Malaysia, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, Bandar Sunway, 47500, Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia.
Abstract:
In the past decade, researchers have focused on the emergence of drug resistance in fungal pathogens such as Candida albicans, also considered as pathobionts that occur harmlessly in the human body but could potentially be triggered to cause diseases. The increasing rate of antifungal resistance in commensal gut fungi is alarming and should be further investigated. Here, we report seven novel MLST (Multi Locus Sequence Typing) genotypes of multi-drug resistant C. albicans isolates obtained from participants of a community study in Segamat, a district in the state of Johor, Malaysia. A total of eight C. albicans were isolated from four individuals, which were found to express high resistance against fluconazole, itraconazole, voriconazole and 5-fluorocytosine antifungals. MLST was performed to assess the clonal relatedness of these drug resistant isolates among themselves and against other strains isolated from other geographical regions. The novel MLST C. albicans sequence types suggest significant genetic changes compared to previous genotypes.
Insights
Seven new multi-drug resistant Candida albicans genotypes were identified in Malaysia. These findings highlight significant genetic changes in antifungal resistance among gut fungi, demanding further investigation.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Medical Microbiology
- Genetics
Background:
- Antifungal resistance in fungal pathogens like Candida albicans is a growing concern.
- Commensal gut fungi can become pathogenic and exhibit alarming rates of drug resistance.
- Candida albicans, a pathobiont, can transition to disease-causing states.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and characterize novel genotypes of multi-drug resistant Candida albicans.
- To investigate the genetic relatedness of resistant isolates from a Malaysian community.
- To assess the genetic diversity and potential evolutionary changes in drug-resistant C. albicans strains.
Main Methods:
- Isolation of Candida albicans from human participants in a community study.
- Antifungal susceptibility testing against fluconazole, itraconazole, voriconazole, and 5-fluorocytosine.
- Multi Locus Sequence Typing (MLST) to determine genotypes and assess clonal relatedness.
Main Results:
- Eight multi-drug resistant Candida albicans isolates were obtained from four individuals.
- Seven novel MLST genotypes were identified among the resistant isolates.
- The novel genotypes indicate significant genetic divergence from previously known C. albicans strains.
Conclusions:
- The study identified novel genetic profiles of drug-resistant Candida albicans in Malaysia.
- These findings underscore the emergence of significant genetic changes in antifungal resistance.
- Further research is warranted to understand the implications of these genetic shifts in commensal fungi.
