Vol. 9, Special Issue 4, Part B (2024)

Author(s): RB Kate, DM Muglikar, UM Tumlam, MS Budhe, PP Mhase, SN Jadhav and AK Barate

Abstract: This study employed molecular identification techniques to characterize isolates of Candida albicans, Candida tropicalis, and Candida krusei obtained from cases of bovine mastitis. The results indicated that PCR targeting the 18Sr RNA gene successfully identified 95.45% of Candida albicans isolates, all (100%) Candida tropicalis isolates, and 80% of Candida krusei isolates. Furthermore, this study found a high detection rate (72.33%) of the LIP1 virulent gene in Candida tropicalis isolates, suggesting its potential significance in the virulence of this species. Additionally, the ALS1 gene was exclusive to Candida albicans isolates. The highest detection rate of the FKS1 gene was observed in Candida krusei isolates. Regarding the SAP1 gene, it was detected in only 30% of the Candida spp. isolates Sequencing of selective Candida albicans and Candida krusei isolates confirmed their identification, showing high similarity with previously published sequences. These findings contribute towards understanding the prevalence, distribution, and virulence factors of different Candida species in bovine mastitis.