Abstract: Objective To explore the difference of gene sequence between the yeast- and the hyphal-form of Candida albicans. Methods The genomic DNA of both the yeast-form and the hyphal-form of seven isolates were extracted. The isolates were obtained from the same patient infected with HIV, but their sensitivities to fluconazole were different. These isolates were derived from the same C.albican strain as identified by chromosomal analysis and DNA subtype analysis. DNA fragments (310 bp) of ERG11 were amplified by PCR and the difference of DNA sequence between the two forms of each isolates was compared by DNA sequencing. Results Three isolates were found to have sequence difference between the yeast- and the hyphal-form of C. albicans at the position of 1547 bp, 1587 bp and 1617 bp. Conclusion The sequence difference of ERG11 gene exists between the yeast- and the hyphal-form of C. albicans.

Key words: Candida albicans, Hyphae, Yeast-form, Genes, fungal