Development of Fast Identification Method using a DNA Microarray for Candida Species

The development of a fast identification method for Candida species has become increasingly important due to high mortality rates from opportunistic infection and the recognized need for optimal therapeutic treatment. Previous Candida identification methods have been somewhat limited due to the requirement for a large number of samples, the lack of a simultaneous identification technique, and the existence of a variety of target pathogens. Therefore, fast high-throughput methods need to be developed for an effective pathogen identification method. In this study, we developed fast identification methods for the 6 most common Candida species, using a DNA microarray. The Candida-specific segment of the ITS (Internal transcribed spacer) region was amplified for targeting and hybridized with the 6 common Candida species-specific probes onto aldehyde glass slides. Hybridization patterns in DNA microarrays were identical with the results of sequencing. This DNA microarray-based identification method constitutes a rapid, simultaneous, and high-throughput method for Candida species identification, and can be used as an alternative to currently-used methods