Genotyping of Candida albicans isolated from animals using ۲۵S ribosomal DNA and ALT repeats polymorphism in repetitive sequence

Background and Purpose: Candida albicans is the most prevalent Candida species isolated from animals. Candidiasis can be systemic in animals or may affect a single organ, such as the mouth, urinary tract, and skin. The aim of the present study was to determine the genetic diversity of C. albicans isolated from different animals and investigate the presence of a relationship between host specificity and genetic typing of C. albicans. Materials and Methods: For the purpose of the study, DNA extraction was performed on ۲۷ clinical isolates of C. albicans obtained from animals. Subsequently, they were subjected to ۲۵S ribosomal DNA amplification and ALT repeats in repetitive sequences (RPSs). The minimum inhibitory concentrations of fluconazole, ketoconazole, clotrimazole, nystatin, amphotericin B, and caspofungin were determined using the microdilution method based on the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute M۲۷-S۴ standard. Results: Out of ۲۷ C. albicans strains, ۱۱, ۶, ۵, and ۵ cases were recognized as genotypes A (۴۰.۸%), E (۲۲.۲%), B (۱۸.۵%), and C (۱۸.۵%), respectively, through amplification using AS-I, which revealed ۱۷ different types of C. albicans. By combining the two typing methods, ۲۷ C. albicans strains were finally divided into ۲۲ genotypes. Conclusion: Different genotypes showed genetic diversity among the C. albicans strains isolated from animal sources. The results revealed no special genotype relationship according to the host, anatomical source of isolation, and antifungal susceptibility.