Clade Distinction and Tracking of Clonal Spread by Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy in Multicenter Candida (Candidozyma) auris Outbreak

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de Melo, Camylla C. ; de Oliveira, Halana L. N. L. ; Souza, Bruna R. ; Moura, Carla V. R. ; Oliveira, Rodrigo ; Bastos, Rafael W. ; Kemmerich, Karoline Kristina ; de Almeida-Junior, Joao N. ; Colombo, Arnaldo Lopes ; Spruijtenburg, Bram ; Meis, Jacques F. ; Le Pape, Patrice ; Moonen, Carolyn G. J. ; de Lima-Neto, Reginaldo G.

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: MYCOSES; v. 68, n. 7, p. 8-pg., 2025-07-01.

Abstract

BackgroundCandida (Candidozyma) auris has distinct genetic clades. Clade distinction is relevant for infection control and epidemiological purposes. State-of-the-art typing methodologies for clade distinction are based on genomic approaches, such as short tandem repeat (STR) analysis and whole-genome sequencing (WGS). However, they are time-consuming and expensive. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) is an alternative tool for strain typing based on their unique biochemical spectral profiles.ObjectivesTo apply FT-IR to differentiate C. auris clades and evaluate epidemiological relationships based on biochemical data among isolates from a multicenter C. auris outbreak in the state of Pernambuco, northeastern Brazil.MethodsSixty-nine C. auris strains from clades I, II, III, and IV were analysed. Fifty-nine were clade IV strains obtained from three outbreaks that took place in Pernambuco state, northeastern Brazil. An adjusted FT-IR spectroscopy protocol was applied to obtain carbohydrates and lipid fingerprints. Short Tandem Repeat (STR) analysis was used in order to validate the spectroscopy approach.ResultsThe adjusted preparation protocol for FT-IR analysis improved the spectral quality by 31.42% compared to standard protocol. FT-IR allowed us to discriminate C. auris clades I to IV. Moreover, important similarities were observed in C. auris clade IV strains obtained from two of the three hospitals, based on polysaccharides (1300-800 cm-1) plus lipids (3000-2800 cm-1 and 1500-1400 cm-1) spectra. STR confirmed the similarity results obtained by FT-IR, clustering the strains from two different hospitals.ConclusionsThe IR Biotyper is fast, easy-to-use, and a promising alternative for moderate-to-high-complexity laboratories to differentiate C. auris clades. Furthermore, this technique has the potential for isolate-level source tracking, which could be valuable for monitoring transmission routes in clinical settings. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 21/10599-3 - The Antimicrobial Resistance Institute of São Paulo (The Aries Project)
• Grantee: Arnaldo Lopes Colombo
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Research, Innovation and Dissemination Centers - RIDC