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Updated: Jul 14, 2026
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Published on: March 7, 2019
Multilocus mutation scanning for the analysis of genetic variation within Malassezia (Basidiomycota: Malasseziales)
Claudia Cafarchia1, Domenico Otranto, Bronwyn E Campbell
1Dipartimento di Sanità e Benessere Animale, Facoltà di Medicina Veterinaria, Valenzano, Bari, Italy.
Abstract:
Members of the genus Malassezia are budding yeasts, characterized by a thick cell wall. Recently, these yeasts have received attention as emerging pathogens. They are common commensals on the skin of animals and can become pathogenic under the influence of various predisposing factors. Central to studying their taxonomy, systematics, and ecology and to diagnosis is the accurate identification of species or operational taxonomic units. To overcome the limitations of current phenotypic and biochemical methods of identification, a PCR-coupled SSCP approach, utilizing sequence variation (0.4-33.5%) in short regions (approximately 250-270 bp) of the first internal transcribed spacer (ITS-1) of nuclear ribosomal DNA and the chitin synthase-2 gene (chs-2), was assessed for the identification and differentiation of different species/genotypes of Malassezia, characterized previously by DNA sequencing. Genomic DNA samples (n = 30) from Malassezia isolates cultured from canine skin scrapings were assessed by SSCP analysis of the two different genetic loci, and unequivocal delineation between genotypes and species was achieved. This SSCP approach is considered to provide a practical tool for the rapid and reliable genetic characterization of Malassezia genotypes/species from dogs and for investigating their population genetics and ecology. It will also provide a powerful tool for studies of Malassezia isolates from other animal species.
Insights
Accurate identification of Malassezia yeast species is crucial for understanding their role as emerging pathogens. A PCR-coupled SSCP method effectively differentiates Malassezia species and genotypes in dogs, aiding ecological and diagnostic studies.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Veterinary Dermatology
- Molecular Diagnostics
Background:
- Malassezia yeasts are common skin commensals in animals, capable of becoming pathogenic.
- Accurate species identification is vital for taxonomy, ecology, and diagnosis of Malassezia-related conditions.
- Current identification methods have limitations, necessitating improved techniques.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess a PCR-coupled Single-Strand Conformation Polymorphism (SSCP) approach for Malassezia species identification.
- To differentiate Malassezia species and genotypes using sequence variation in ITS-1 and chitin synthase-2 gene regions.
- To evaluate the utility of PCR-SSCP for studying Malassezia population genetics and ecology.
Main Methods:
- Genomic DNA from 30 Malassezia isolates from canine skin scrapings was analyzed.
- PCR-coupled SSCP was performed on specific regions of the nuclear ribosomal DNA's first internal transcribed spacer (ITS-1) and the chitin synthase-2 gene (chs-2).
- Sequence variation (0.4-33.5%) in approximately 250-270 bp regions was utilized for differentiation.
Main Results:
- The PCR-coupled SSCP approach achieved unequivocal delineation between Malassezia genotypes and species.
- The method demonstrated high reliability in differentiating species/genotypes based on genetic loci analysis.
- Unequivocal genetic characterization of Malassezia from canine isolates was achieved.
Conclusions:
- PCR-coupled SSCP is a practical and reliable tool for rapid genetic characterization of Malassezia species/genotypes in dogs.
- This method facilitates investigations into Malassezia population genetics and ecology.
- The approach is applicable to Malassezia isolates from various animal species.
