Phenotypic characterisation of Candida albicans isolated from chronic hyperplastic candidosis

The phenotypes of 35 Candida albicans isolates from 19 patients with chroni c hyperplastic candidosis (CHC) and 35 isolates from 30 patients with non-C HC infections were compared. Typing was based on carbohydrate assimilation, chemical sensitivity and serology, Eight carbohydrate assimilation profile s were evident with the API-20C system and a single profile predominated fo r isolates from CHC (17 of 19 patients; 89%) and non-CHC (18 of 30 patients ; 63%), Chemical sensitivity tests revealed four profiles with no significa nt difference between CHC and non-CHC isolates. Serotype A predominated for isolates from both CHC (15 of 19 patients; 79%) and non-CHC (25 of 30 pati ents; 83%) infections. Boric acid resistance was more prevalent in CHC isol ates, although a significant difference was not apparent. In summary, there was no overall difference in the phenotypes of isolates from CHC and non-C HC patients, and clonal restriction of CHC isolates was not demonstrated.