Multiplex-PCR-based differentiation and characterization of Candida-isolates derived from tortoises (Testudinidae)

Candida isolates (n=23) derived from Testudinidae were investigated by mult iplex-polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The isolates comprised 13 Candida (C .) tropicalis, nine C. albicans and one C. parapsilosis. Tn addition, five reference strains C. albicans (ATCC 10231), C. tropicalis (DSM 4238), C. pa rapsilosis (DSM 4237), C. glabrara (ATCC 70614) and C. krusei (ATCC 70075) were investigated. PCR revealed easily distinguishable species-specific amp licons of the chs1-gene and resulted in a clear identification in all cases . No discrepancies between conventional identification techniques and the P CR-based system were seen. The described PCR offers a rapid alternative to conventional techniques for the identification of C, albicans, C, glabrata, C. tropicalis, C. parapsilosis and C, krusei. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B. V. All rights reserved.