RAPD differentiation of Malassezia spp. from cattle, dogs and humans

The molecular characterization of Malassezia spp. isolates from animals and humans has not been thoroughly studied. We have analysed the DNA profile by random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD)-PCR to compare the genetic diversity between isolates from the external ears of cattle, dogs and humans. The analysis of electrophoretic profiles on 8% polyacrylamide gel and their phenograms showed genetic heterogeneity between RAPD profiles of Malassezia furfur and Malassezia slooffiae isolates from humans and cattle and between Malassezia pachydermatis isolates from dogs and cattle. Intra-species variations in DNA pattern of Malassezia isolates and the presence of specific genetic types in cattle, dogs or humans were observed. A review of genetic heterogeneity of these yeast in veterinary and human medicine studies is given considering a possible transmission animal to human or human to animal. Additional studies must clarify the differences between the RAPD band patterns observed in this and other studies, which would facilitate monitoring of Malassezia spp. carriage in domestic animals and in humans.