DNA Sequencing Detection of Candida albicans CALB1 Gene Isolated from Oral Candidiasis Patients in Al-Najaf Governorate

Abstract

Background: In Iraq, there is a scarcity of data concerning fungal species isolated from different clinical cases. Consequently, this study aims to fill these gaps in the existing knowledge., Aim: This research highlights the significance of fungi as causative agents in humans and provides a genetic and molecular identification profile to accurately pinpoint the pathogens responsible for oral candidiasis. It also provides a genetic characterization of these pathogens, comparing them with standard isolates recorded in global databases like NCBI. Method: Oral swabs total specimens were 50, collected from Al-Najaf province during period from January 2023 to May 2023. Identification was according chromagar medium then VITEK2 technique results were completed with PCR, using PCR technique and DNA sequencing of ITS1 and ITS2 regions. Results: 50 specimens some of them are negative 35%, positive 65%, Candida albicans 21 % other Candida spp 62% without growth 17%. There is no significant association between genders in oral candidiasis and yeast in all groups of ages. There is significant association between type of disease and yeast at (p≤0.01). No notable correlation was observed between age and yeast (p≤0.05). The sequences obtained from each sample were compared to the NCBI database using the online NCBI BLAST tool. In oral candidiasis the Candida albicans specific gene CALB1 was found in strains C. albicans OT5/1 strain, C.albicans OT2 strain C. albicans OT1/1, strain C. albicans cn152 and strain C. albicans cn150 with 98 %. Conclusion: Concluded some Candida albicans have the capacity to produce CALB1 gene, and DNA sequencing is the best method for identification of fungi compared with chromagar medium test and PCR analysis.