Related Experiment Videos
[Assimilation test of Malassezia furfur isolated from the environment]
R Tanaka1, K Nishimura, K Kamei
1Research Center for Pathogenic Fungi and Microbial Toxicoses, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba 260-8673.
Abstract:
The lipophilic yeasts Malassezia species are the causative agents of tinea versicolor and known also to be a member of normal skin flora. They are commonly isolated from the skin of humans and animals, but not from the environment. This is the first report of the isolation of Malassezia sp. from the environment (a hospital floor). The results of assimilation tests of lipids and karyotyping showed that these isolates were M. furfur. They assimilated not only lipids including floor wax and car wax but also some ointments (except antifungal agents) used clinically. The results suggest that we need to take care when using such ointments to treat skin diseases.
Insights
This study reports the first isolation of Malassezia species from a hospital floor environment. These yeasts, typically found on skin, can metabolize various lipids, including waxes and some clinical ointments.
Area of Science:
- Medical Mycology
- Environmental Microbiology
- Dermatology
Background:
- Malassezia species are lipophilic yeasts.
- They are known agents of tinea versicolor and part of normal skin flora.
- Typically isolated from human and animal skin, not the environment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report the first isolation of Malassezia species from an environmental source.
- To identify the isolated species and characterize their metabolic capabilities.
- To assess the implications of environmental isolation and lipid assimilation for clinical treatments.
Main Methods:
- Isolation of yeast from a hospital floor.
- Lipid assimilation tests.
- Karyotyping for species identification.
Main Results:
- Successfully isolated Malassezia species from a hospital floor.
- Identified isolates as Malassezia furfur (M. furfur).
- Demonstrated assimilation of various lipids, including floor wax, car wax, and some clinical ointments (excluding antifungals).
Conclusions:
- This is the first report of Malassezia sp. isolation from the environment.
- Malassezia furfur exhibits a broad lipid assimilation capacity.
- Caution is advised when using certain lipid-based ointments for treating skin diseases due to potential substrate utilization by Malassezia.