Molecular discrimination and antifungal susceptibility profile of cryptic Candida albicans complex species isolated from patients in Iran

complex species are well known as the main cause of candidiasis, particularly among susceptible individuals. In this study, we report the genetic diversity of spp. and the antifungal susceptibility pattern of the cryptic complex isolates in Kerman, Iran. A total of 112 yeast isolates were obtained from different clinical samples, and molecular identification was performed. All complex isolates were tested for susceptibility of them to amphotericin B, fluconazole, and itraconazole. The majority of clinical isolates were complex (n=48) followed by complex (n=34), complex (n=21), and (n=9). Among complex, 45 isolates were (94%), 2 isolates were (4%), and 1 isolate was (2%). Amphotericin B was the most active antifungal, whereas 8.9% and 6.7% of the isolates were resistant to fluconazole and itraconazole, respectively. Regarding the high incidence of infections particularly in susceptible populations and the emergence of an infrequent yeast species with elevated MICs, which is indistinguishable with conventional methods, developing accurate molecular methods for laboratory diagnosis should be considered in the clinical setting.