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Identification of Rare Bacterial Pathogens by 16S rRNA Gene Sequencing and MALDI-TOF MS
Published on: July 11, 2016
The range of molecular methods for typing Malassezia
George Gaitanis1, Ioannis D Bassukas, Aristea Velegraki
1Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Medical School, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece. ggaitan@cc.uoi.gr
Current Opinion in Infectious Diseases
|March 14, 2009
Summary
Molecular typing methods for Malassezia fungi are reviewed, highlighting their utility in understanding fungal epidemiology and virulence. This research emphasizes the need for more data on these common skin commensals and pathogens.
Area of Science:
- Medical Mycology
- Molecular Epidemiology
- Genomics
Background:
- Malassezia species are ubiquitous fungal commensals and potential pathogens.
- Whole genome sequencing of Malassezia globosa and M. restricta provides a foundation for molecular studies.
- Understanding Malassezia epidemiology and virulence factors is crucial for addressing associated skin diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current knowledge on Malassezia molecular typing methods.
- To evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of different typing techniques.
- To identify gaps in epidemiological data for Malassezia species.
Main Methods:
- Categorization of methods based on detecting sequence variations or amplifying polymorphic DNA markers.
- Utilizing rRNA gene sequence variations for tracing subtypes associated with skin diseases.
- Employing amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) and PCR-fingerprinting for strain discrimination.
Main Results:
- Sequence variation methods trace Malassezia subtypes linked to specific skin conditions and geographical variations.
- Polymorphic DNA amplification methods like AFLP associate M. furfur subtypes with strain origin (skin/systemic).
- PCR-fingerprinting of mini-satellite DNA clusters M. furfur strains by geographic and disease origin.
Conclusions:
- Molecular typing is a powerful future tool for Malassezia epidemiological studies.
- These methods will aid in elucidating the pathobiology of Malassezia in skin diseases.
- Existing methods for M. pachydermatis can be adapted for anthropophilic Malassezia species.
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