Despite the fact that Candida albicans is documented to be the main cause of human candidiasis, non-C. albicans Candida (NCAC) species, such as Candida glabrata and Candida tropicalis, are also suggested to be implicated in the etiopathogenesis of opportunistic fungal infections. As biology, epidemiology, pathogenicity, and antifungal resistance of NCAC species may be affected as a result of genomic diversity and plasticity, rapid and unambiguous identification of Candida species in clinical samples is essential for proper diagnosis and therapy. In the present study, 25 clinical isolates of C. albicans, C. glabrata, and C. tropicalis species were characterized in terms of their karyotype patterns, DNA content, and biochemical features. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra- and Raman spectra-based molecular fingerprints corresponded to the diversity of chromosomal traits and DNA levels that provided correct species identification. Moreover, Raman spectroscopy was documented to be useful for the evaluation of ergosterol content that may be associated with azole resistance. Taken together, we found that vibrational spectroscopy-based biochemical profiling reflects the variability of chromosome patterns and DNA content of clinical Candida species isolates and may facilitate the diagnosis and targeted therapy of candidiasis.
Keywords: Candida albicans; FTIR and Raman spectroscopy; candidiasis; genomic diversity; karyotyping.