Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Malassezia yeast overgrowth in dogs in northern Italy and treatment
By Berlanda, Michele et al.·Published in Veterinaria italiana·2022·University of Padova, Italy·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Malassezia overgrowth in dogs in northern Italy: frequency, body distribution, clinical signs and effects of pharmacologic treatments.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of dogs in northern Italy was examined for skin problems caused by an overgrowth of a yeast called Malassezia. Out of 97 dogs, 84 had this overgrowth, which often showed up in skin lesions. The study found that dogs with Malassezia overgrowth had significantly higher levels of the yeast compared to healthy dogs, especially in areas with skin issues. Interestingly, dogs that had been treated with antibiotics had higher yeast levels than those who hadn't received antibiotics. Treatment options were not detailed, but the findings suggest that managing yeast overgrowth may require careful consideration of previous antibiotic use.
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Abstract
The present study describes Malassezia populations in clinically healthy dogs (HD) and dogs with Malassezia overgrowth (MO), and evaluates the correlation with clinical signs and previous treatments. Thirteen clinically HD and 84 dogs with MO were enrolled. Clinical history and previous treatments were recorded. After a complete physical and dermatological examination, Canine Atopic Dermatitis Extent and Severity Index_03 scores were calculated. Samples for cytology and mycological cultures were obtained from four body regions and from skin lesions. Malassezia overgrowth was diagnosed by cytology. A global score (GS) for quantitative evaluation of the population of Malassezia was calculated. In dogs with MO, the highest frequency of yeast detection was found in skin lesions (82%, P < 0.001). Sum of GS (GSs) obtained from dogs with MO (68, 0‑621) was significantly higher compared to those of HD (3, 0‑48, P < 0.001). GSs in dogs previously treated with antibiotics (312.5, 30‑975) was significantly higher compared to those of dogs that not have received antibiotics (80, 0‑975, P = 0.015). No difference was found between dogs treated and those not treated with steroids.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36398671/