Evaluation of the DiversiLab® automated repetitive sequence-based PCR system for the characterization of Candida albicans and Candida glabrata isolates

The objective of our study was to assess the DiversiLab® automated repetitive sequence-based PCR (rep-PCR) system for typing C. albicans and C. glabrata isolates and to compare it with two proven and routinely used typing methods. A total of 39 isolates from 11 patients with candidaemia or tissue candidiasis (two to six isolates per patient) were analyzed with three typing methods: DiversiLab® rep-PCR, multilocus sequence typing and multilocus microsatellite typing. DiversiLab® rep-PCR results were consistent with those obtained using the two other typing methods for C. albicans, but not for C. glabrata. Thanks to its simplicity of use, rapidity, standardization and reproducibility, the DiversiLab® rep-PCR system is an interesting tool to investigate C. albicans infections.