Molecular Identification and Sequence Analysis with Phylogenetic Tree for Nakaseomyces glabratus Isolated from Vulvovaginitis in Mares in Baghdad, Iraq

Abstract

This study aimed to molecularly identify Nakaseomyces glabratus isolates obtained from mares diagnosed with vulvovaginitis in Baghdad, Iraq, using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing techniques, followed by phylogenetic analysis. Vaginal swabs were collected from 100 mares with clinical vulvovaginitis, cultured, and initially characterized through morphological and biochemical approaches. Molecular identification targeted the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region and the D1/D2 domains using species-specific primers. Sequencing and subsequent phylogenetic analysis revealed a high similarity between the Iraqi N. glabratus isolates and global strains, reaffirming their evolutionary stability. This study underscores the significance of molecular diagnostics in accurately identifying non-albicans Candida species and highlights the necessity for improved diagnostic protocols in Iraq.