Identification of Candida Species Isolated from Vulvovaginal Candidiasis Patients by Polymerase Chain Reaction-Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) in Yasuj Southwestern Iran

Background: Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is a frequent infection in females at the reproductive age. Furthermore, the most common causative agent is Candida albicans yet in the recent years, the incidence of non-albicans species has increased. Objectives: The main aim of this study was the isolation and identification of various Candida species from patients with vulvovaginal candidiasis by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) in Yasuj, Iran. Methods: Three hundred and ten suspected women females vaginitis were sampled and examined. Genomic DNA was extracted from fresh colonies by phenol-chloroform glass bead methods. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification was performed based on the ribosomal DNA internal transcribed spacer (rDNA-ITS), and specific electrophoretic patterns of PCR products after digestion with MspI enzyme used for species identification. Results: The cultures were positive for 160 (51.6%) vaginal samples. Candida albicans (86.8%) was the most common species among the isolates, followed by C. glabrata (3.77%) and C. krusei (3%). Multispecies with two Candida were identified in nine patients. Conclusions: Vulvovaginal candidiasis is more prevalent among females in Yasuj and the predominant agent is C. albicans. In addition, correct identification of Candida species could play an important role in management and treatment of VVC.