Enzymatic characterization of Malassezia pachydermatis isolates from dogs

Abstract

The yeast Malassezia pachydermatis is part of the normal cutaneous microflora of most homoeothermic vertebrates. However, under certain conditions as high humidity, seborrheic skin, corticotherapy and immunodeficiency, it can become pathogenic and cause dermatopathies. The pathogenic role of the genus Malassezia seems to be related to physical, chemical and immunological disturbances and to the production of enzymes, including lipases, phospholipases and hydrolases. The Api-Zym ® system is a semi quantitative method designed for the study of 19 enzymatic activities of tissues, cell suspensions, biological fluids, microorganisms, soil and others. Herein, the use of the Api-Zym system in 30 M. pachydermatis isolates detected the presence of the phosphohydrolases: acid phosphatase and naphtol-AS-BI-phosphohydrolase among all isolates, independently of the clinical sign associated to the animal. The knowledge of the enzymatic profile of M. pachydermatis aims to contribute to the comprehension of the role of each enzyme in the pathogeny of this yeast.

Prevalence and in vitro antifungal susceptibility of commensal yeasts in the external ear canal of cats

“…It should be noted that the yeasts isolated in this study were present on the skin of the ear canals of healthy cats. The pathogenic roles of these isolated organisms may be related to the host immune response as well as to yeast-specific virulence factors [ 2 , 27 ]. Cats with FeLV, FIV, and glucocorticoid treatment are predisposed to yeast overgrowth [ 11 , 28 ].…”

“…Cats with FeLV, FIV, and glucocorticoid treatment are predisposed to yeast overgrowth [ 11 , 28 ]. Cats with hypersensitivity to yeasts or their metabolites are likely to develop severe skin lesions [ 2 ]. Structural malformation of the ear canal, excessive sebum production, and otitis are associated with bacterial and yeast overgrowth [ 2 , 27 ].…”

“…For example, long-haired cats have hairs in the ear canal, which may increase its local humidity and the chance of yeast accumulation in the ear canal. Humidity and the presence of lipids and sebum may predispose cats to yeast overgrowth, leading to inflammation and the development of pathologic lesions [ 2 ].…”

“…is a commensal yeast found on the mucosa and skin of mammals. Overgrowth of this organism may cause a local or systemic disease in humans and cats [ 1 , 2 ]. Malassezia pachydermatis is a nonlipid-dependent yeast species, and it is the most commonly isolated yeast organism from the ear canal of cats [ 3 – 6 ].…”