APPLICATION OF RAPD AND RESTRICTION ENZYME ANALYSIS TO THE STUDY OF ORAL CARRIAGE OF CANDIDA-ALBICANS

The genetic similarity of nineteen isolates of Candida albicans from f our patients were compared by restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) using EcoRI or HinfI, which both detected five types, and by r andom amplification of polymorphic DNA (RAPD), which detected three ty pes. Phenotypically unusual isolates also produced distinct patterns w ith both typing systems demonstrating the carriage of two groups of C. albicans as well as the presence of more than one type in some subjec ts. Methods of DNA preparation were compared for the production of rep roducible patterns; including using the supernatant fluid of boiled in tact or spheroplasted cells for RAPD, and DNA precipitated from chloro form extracted cell lysate for RFLP and RAPD. Consistent patterns were produced from the DNA precipitate by RAPD and after an additional pre cipitation by RFLP, thus removing the necessity for lengthy extraction procedures or the use of toxic chemicals for purification.