Detection of Candida Albicans Virulence Genes Isolated from Periodontitis Patients in Salah Al-Din City

This study aimed to isolate and diagnose the Candida albicans in Periodontitis Patients visiting the consulting clinic at Salah al-Din General Hospital and some private clinics and diagnosed by doctors during the period October 2024 to January 2024 from patients. A total of 75 clinical samples were collected during this period. Patients between the ages of 5 and 55, who were diagnosed with periodontitis and received treatment at a specific dental health facility and outpatient clinics of dental in Salah al-Din City, Iraq. Materials and method: The first diagnosis is achieved by direct microscopic examination, whereas the second method uses laboratory culture on Sabouraud's Dextrose Agar (SDA) medium and biochemical yeast assays (urease test). The swab was cultured on CHROM and SAD to isolate C. albicans. Once validated, genomic DNA was extracted from the colony. Polymerase chain reaction discovered ALS1 and HWP1 virulence genes. Results: The microscopic analysis revealed that out of the total number of samples (75), 55 samples tested positive, accounting for a rate of 27%. The second method involves analyzing the results of laboratory culture using Sabroid Dextrose Agar (SDA) medium. The analysis revealed that 40 swabs tested positive, On the other hand, 35 swabs tested negative and did not show any growth, accounting for 47% of the samples.Statistical study revealed substantial variations in the ability of isolated yeasts to produce hemolysin, with a p-value of 0.0006. The analysis revealed that all 75 samples (100%) were identified as C. albicans. Furthermore, the study found that the ALS1 gene was detected in 18 samples (72%), while the HWP1 gene was recognized in 15 samples (60%). Conclusion: The majority of C. albicans isolates exhibited the HWP1 and Als1 virulence genes, suggesting that the ALS1 and HWP1 proteins play a crucial role in the development of infection.