Comparison of Phenotypic Tests and PCR to Detect Candida albicans From Vaginal Specimens (Tabriz, 2009-2010)

Background: Fungal vaginitis originates from yeasts that are active in the mucosa of the women‘s genital tract. The main yeast that causes fungal vaginitis is Candida albicans . Objectives: The current study aimed to detect frequency of yeasts mainly C. albicans in vaginal specimens of women from Tabriz, Iran. For the above purpose, the sensitivity and specifity of traditional laboratory assays were compared with those of molecular method (PCR) by universal and species primers to detect C. albicans in vaginal samples. Patients and Methods: In this study, 250 vaginal specimens were collected from women in Tabriz, East-Azerbaijan province, Iran during 2009- 2010. Samples were examined to identify C. albicans by germ-tube test, chlamydoconidium formation test, preparation of wet smear using potassium hydroxide, and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). Results: 162 yeast species from 250 specimens were isolated in Sabroud Dextrose Agar (SDA) Medium. 106 (65.4%) of them were germ tube formation positive, 86 (53%) chlamydoconidium formation positive and 101(62.4%) were PCR positive. Yeast cells and mycelia were detected in the isolates on direct microscopic examination. C. albicans accounted for 66.04% of cases and 34% were non-C. albicans species. Conclusions: In conclusion, PCR may be the best method to detect Candida species.