Hossein Moallaei - Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences, Sabzevar, Iran
Seied Hossein Mirhendi - Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health and National Institute of Health Researches, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Joao Brandao - Department of Infectious Diseases, National Iinstitute of Health Dr. Ricardo Jorge, Av. Padre Cruz ۱۶۴۹-۰۱۶ Lisbon, Portugal
Reza Mirdashti - Central Labs of Medical Basic Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences, Sabzevar, Iran
Laura Rosado - Department of Infectious Diseases, National Iinstitute of Health Dr. Ricardo Jorge, Av. Padre Cruz ۱۶۴۹-۰۱۶ Lisbon, Portugal

Objective(s) To compare two identification methods, i.e., restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP)-PCR analysis and enzymatic method Rapid TM Yeast Plus System to identify different species causing vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC). Materials and Methods Vaginal discharges of women who had attended the gynecology outpatient clinic of Mobini Hospital in Sabzevar, Iran were collected using cotton swabs and were cultured on Sabouraud dextrose agar. Isolated yeasts were identified by germ-tube testing and Rapid TM Yeast Plus System (Remel USA). For molecular identification, the isolated DNA was amplified with ITS ۱ and ITS۴ universal primers and PCR products digested with the enzyme Hpall followed by agarose gel electrophoresis. Epidemiological and clinical features of women with respect to identified species were also evaluated. Results Out of ۲۳۱ subjects enrolled, ۶۲ VVC cases were detected. The isolated species were identified as follows: Candida albicans, ۲۴ (۳۸.۷%), C. glabrata, ۱۵ (۲۴.۲%), C. kefyr, ۱۳ (۲۱.۰%) C. krusei, ۹ (۱۴.۵%), and Saccharomyces cerevisiae, ۱ (۱.۶%) by RFLP-PCR method; whereas findings by Rapid TM Yeast Plus System were C. albicans, ۲۴ (۳۸.۷%), C. glabrata, ۵ (۸%), C. kefyr, ۱۱ (۱۷.۷%) C. krusei, ۲ (۳.۲%), S. cerevisiae, ۹ (۱۴.۵%), and C. tropicalis, ۶ (۹.۶%) as well as other nonpathogenic yeasts, ۴ (۶.۹%). Conclusion Statistical comparison showed that there is no significant difference in identification of C. albicans by the two methods; although, in this study, it was not true about other species of yeasts. A correlation between clinical and laboratory findings is important as it enables us to administer an appropriate treatment on time.

Candida, Iran, RFLP, Vulvovaginal Candidiasis