Exploring Molecular Methods for Candida species Identification and Characterization

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Candida species (CS) are significant fungal pathogens responsible for a wide range of infections in humans, making their precise and timely identification crucial for effective treatment and disease management. Traditional identification methods, such as phenotypic assays and culture-based techniques, often suffer from limitations, including prolonged processing times, limited accuracy, and inadequate differentiation between species. As a result, molecular techniques have gained prominence for their ability to rapidly and accurately identify and characterize various Candida species. This review discusses the shortcomings of conventional methods and highlights the array of molecular strategies that have been developed, such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays, DNA sequencing, and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). These techniques leverage the unique genetic and proteomic profiles of Candida species to provide highly sensitive and specific identification, even distinguishing between closely related strains. Additionally, the review explores the use of molecular approaches in clinical diagnostics, epidemiological studies, and antifungal resistance monitoring, where they enable the rapid detection of Candida species from clinical samples, allowing for swift diagnosis and timely antifungal intervention. Furthermore, these techniques are instrumental in identifying clonal outbreaks and tracking transmission dynamics in healthcare settings. The review emphasizes the advantages of molecular methods—such as their precision, speed, and capacity to uncover cryptic species—while also calling for continued research to improve their efficacy and broader application in Candida species identification.