Internal transcribed spacer sequencing versus biochemical profiling for identification of medically important yeasts

J Clin Microbiol. 2006 Jan;44(1):77-84. doi: 10.1128/JCM.44.1.77-84.2006.

Abstract

In this study, we established an in-house database of yeast internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequences. This database includes medically important as well as colonizing yeasts that frequently occur in the diagnostic laboratory. In a prospective study, we compared molecular identification with phenotypic identification by using the ID32C system (bioMérieux) for yeast strains that could not be identified by a combination of CHROMagar Candida and morphology on rice agar. In total, 113 yeast strains were included in the study. By sequence analysis, 98% of all strains were identified correctly to the species level. With the ID32C, 87% of all strains were identified correctly to the species or genus level, 7% of the isolates could not be identified, and 6% of the isolates were misidentified, most of them as Candida rugosa or Candida utilis. For a diagnostic algorithm, we suggest a three-step procedure which integrates morphological criteria, biochemical investigation, and sequence analysis of the ITS region.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Candida albicans / classification
  • Candida albicans / genetics
  • Candidiasis / diagnosis*
  • Candidiasis / microbiology
  • DNA, Fungal / genetics
  • DNA, Ribosomal Spacer / analysis*
  • Databases, Genetic
  • Humans
  • Microbiological Techniques
  • Phylogeny
  • Prospective Studies
  • Sequence Analysis, DNA
  • Transcription, Genetic
  • Yeasts / classification*
  • Yeasts / genetics
  • Yeasts / isolation & purification

Substances

  • DNA, Fungal
  • DNA, Ribosomal Spacer