Diversidad genética y resistencia antifúngica en aislamientos clínicos de hongos levaduriformes: correlación entre características morfológicas y perfiles moleculares.

Abstract

Abstract: Yeast fungal infections are a growing public health problem. Although research into fungal infections has advanced, challenges remain in microbiological diagnosis using traditional methods and the integration of more accurate molecular methods. The purpose of this study was to determine the genetic diversity and antifungal resistance mechanisms of yeast fungi isolated from clinical samples in cancer patients treated at the SOLCA hospital in Loja. Seventy-five strains obtained from skin lesions, nails, secretions, and respiratory samples were analyzed and identified using phenotypic and molecular methods. The predominant species was Meyerozyma guilliermondii (62.67%), followed by Rhodotorula mucilaginosa (24%). Molecular analysis identified antifungal resistance genes, the most frequent being MDR1, CDR1, and FKS1, key genes for the overexpression of efflux pumps and changes in cell wall conformation. The chi-square test showed a significant association between species and the FKS1, ERG11, and CYP51 genes (p < 0.05). The results showed the prevalence of yeast like species and antifungal resistance profiles, which are important for the diagnosis and treatment of mycoses in cancer patients.