Phenotypic Identification And Genotypic Profiling Of Candida Species Isolated From Vaginal Swabs

Abstract

Objective: Vulvovaginal candidiasis represents a widespread fungal infection that impacts women globally, with various Candida species playing a role. Proper identification of these species is essential for successful treatment. This research aimed to identify Candida species isolated from vaginal swabs of symptomatic women, utilizing both phenotypic and genotypic approaches, and assess how combining these methods improves accuracy.

Methods: Vaginal swabs were gathered from 50 women showing symptoms of vulvovaginal candidiasis. Phenotypic identification was performed through established techniques such as the germ-tube test, chlamydoconidia production, culture on chromogenic agar, carbohydrate assimilation, growth at 45°C, and Tween 80 agar utilization. Genotypic analysis, through Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), was employed to target species-specific DNA sequences, confirming the identities of the isolated Candida species.

Results: The phenotypic tests indicated the presence of multiple Candida species, with Candida albicans being the most frequently encountered, accounting for 82% of the samples based on germ-tube test positivity. Chromogenic agar enabled clear differentiation between C. albicans, C. glabrata, and C. tropicalis, C.krusai  through distinct colony colorations. Additional tests, such as carbohydrate assimilation and growth at elevated temperatures, aided in distinguishing non-albicans Candida species. PCR results not only corroborated the phenotypic identifications but also clarified cases where traditional methods were insufficient, thus ensuring more precise species characterization.

Conclusions: By integrating both phenotypic and genotypic methods, the accuracy of Candida species identification from vaginal swabs significantly improved, yielding more reliable data for clinical interventions. The study underscores the diverse range of Candida species responsible for vulvovaginal candidiasis and stresses the importance of precise identification for effective antifungal treatment. Future research should expand sample sizes and incorporate advanced molecular techniques to detect rare or emerging Candida species, further enhancing diagnostic precision and therapeutic outcomes.