Distribution of Candida albicans genotypes among family members

Thirty-three families (71 subjects) were screened for the presence bf Candi da albicans in mouthwash or stool specimens; 12 families (28 subjects) were culture-positive for this yeast. An enrichment procedure provided a twofol d increase in the recovery of C. albicans from mouthwash specimens. Nine of the twelve culture-positive families had two positive members each, two fa milies had three positive members each, and one family had four positive me mbers. Genetic profiles were obtained by tl-Il ee methods: pulsed-field gel electrophoresis; restriction endonuclease analysis, and random amplificati on of polymorphic DNA analysis. DNA fingerprinting of C. albicans isolated from one body site three consecutive times revealed that each of the 12 fam ilies carried a distinct genotype. No two families shaved the same strain, and two or more members of a family commonly shared the same strain. Intraf amily genotypic identity (i.e., each member within the family harbored the same strain) was demonstrated in six families. Genotypes of isolates from h usband and wife differed from one another in Jive families. All three metho ds were satisfactory in determining genotypes; however, we concluded that r estriction endonuclease analysis provided adequate resolving power. (C) 199 9 Elsevier Science Inc.