Biotypes of oral Candida albicans isolates in human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients from diverse geographic locations

Abstract

Oral Candida albicans isolates from HIV‐infected individuals in Hong Kong, Australia, Germany and England were characterised using a biotyping system based on enzyme profiles, carbohydrate assimilation patterns and boric acid resistance of the yeasts. A total of 44 biotypes were found amongst the 117 oral C. albicans isolates examined. The major biotype AIR accounted for 17.9% of all isolates while the second commonest biotype was A1S (11.1% of isolates). Whereas these two biotypes were isolated from all the regions studied, there were a number of other biotypes unique to individual countries. The data indicate that there are many different sub‐strains of oral C. albicans in HIV‐infected patients, some of which are globally prevalent. However, further work is required to ascertain the diversity of oral C. albicans biotypes, if any, in health and disease.