CHROMOSOME LENGTH POLYMORPHISM IN CLINICAL ISOLATES OF CANDIDA-PARAPSILOSIS

Chromosome length polymorphism among 24 clinical isolates of Candida p arapsilosis obtained from several human sources was analysed using pul sed-field gel electrophoresis. The isolates, from both superficial and deep infections, comprised a miscellaneous collection from the oral c avity, blood cultures, ear infections, wound secrete, a venous cathete r and peritoneal dialysis fluid. Contour-clamped homogenous field elec trophoresis using a hexagonal electrode was used for pulsed field gel electrophoresis. The chromosome numbers varied from seven to nine and their sizes ranged from 0.75 to 2.6 Mb. According to the electrophoret ic karyotype patterns the 24 isolates could be divided into 9 profiles . However, the majority (18 isolates) fell into 3 groups comprising 7, 8 and 9 chromosomes, containing 5, 11, and 2 isolates, respectively. The remaining six isolates, all of which were from either an oral or a nother superficial site of isolation, could be categorized into a. fur ther six groups. These data confirm previous observations on the genom ic heterogeneity of clinical isolates of C. parapsilosis, and illustra te the possible commonality in strains from related clinical habitats.