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Malassezia colonisation on a reconstructed human epidermis: Imaging studies
Ana Filipa Pedrosa1,2,3, Carmen Lisboa1,2,3, Joana Branco1,3
1Division of Microbiology, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.
Mycoses
|September 27, 2019
Summary
Malassezia yeasts, common on skin, can form biofilms on reconstructed human epidermis. This study visualized Malassezia biofilm formation, revealing species-specific structural differences and matrix development over time.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Microbiology
- Medical Mycology
Background:
- Biofilm formation is a key microbial virulence factor, particularly on skin surfaces.
- Malassezia biofilm formation on skin has not been previously investigated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate Malassezia colonization patterns on reconstructed human epidermis (RhE) using advanced imaging techniques.
- To characterize in vitro biofilm formation by Malassezia species on a skin model.
Main Methods:
- Malassezia clinical isolates (M. furfur, M. sympodialis) from skin conditions were used.
- Yeast were inoculated onto reconstructed human epidermis (RhE) and incubated for 24-96 hours.
- Imaging techniques including light microscopy, fluorescence microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy were employed.
Main Results:
- Imaging revealed Malassezia yeast forming aggregates within a multilayered matrix on the RhE surface.
- Biofilm formation significantly increased with added lipids, showing a dense extracellular matrix.
- Differences in biofilm architecture and matrix viscosity were observed between M. furfur and M. sympodialis.
Conclusions:
- Skin-associated Malassezia species (M. furfur, M. sympodialis) can form biofilms on an in vitro epidermal model.
- Biofilm matrix development was minimal at 24 hours without lipids but increased progressively up to 96 hours.
- Species-specific structural variations in biofilm formation were identified.
