Mutation analysis of ERG 11 gene in Candida albicans isolates from patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)

Abstract

Objective To investigate the relationship between the mutation of ERG11 gene,a target of azole antifungal drugs (fluconazole,itraconazole,voriconazole),and azole-resistance in Candida albicans isolates from patients with AIDS.Methods Ninety-three Candida albicans strains were isolated from patients with AIDS.DNA was extracted from these isolates,and ERG11 gene was amplified by PCR followed by bidirectional sequencing.DNAman software was used to compare the resultant sequence with the reference sequence of ERG11 gene (GenBank accession no.X13296).Then,different base sequences were translated into amino acid sequences to determine whether missense mutations occured.Results A total of 40 mutation sites were identified in these isolates,including 27 silent mutations and 13 missense mutations.One or no missense mutation was detected in Candida albicans strains resistant to 1 antifungal agent,while those resistant to 2 or 3 antifungal agents simultaneously harbored 2 or 3 missense mutations.Conclusion The missense mutations in ERG11 gene are probably connected with azole resistance in Candida albicans. Key words: Candida albicans; Genes, ERG11; Fluconazole; Itraconazole; Voriconazole