Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Malassezia yeast found in healthy and skin-diseased dogs
By Nardoni, S et al.·Published in Mycopathologia·2004·Dipartimento di Patologia Animale, Italy·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Occurrence of Malassezia species in healthy and dermatologically diseased dogs.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A study found that Malassezia yeasts, which can cause skin problems, were present in 63.4% of samples taken from 224 dogs, including both healthy and those with skin issues. The yeasts were more common in dogs with skin problems, with 67.6% of affected dogs testing positive compared to 51.6% of healthy dogs. The most frequently identified species was Malassezia pachydermatis, often found alongside other types. This suggests that if your dog has skin issues, it might be worth discussing the possibility of a Malassezia infection with your veterinarian, as treatment options are available.
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Abstract
The presence of Malassezia spp. yeasts was investigated in dermatological specimens of 224 dogs, 164 dermatologically diseased and 60 normal dogs. Subjects included in the study were of different breed, age, sex and habitat. Malassezia spp. positive cultures were obtained in 142 (63.4%) specimens: 67.6% from dermatologically diseased subjects and 51.6% from healthy dogs. Malassezia pachydermatis, either as a pure culture or in association with lipid-dependent species, was identified in 138 (97%) specimens. Malassezia furfur was identified in 69 (48.6%) specimens and was associated with other Malassezia species in 68 dogs, as a pure culture in one subject: at the best of our knowledge, this species was identified before as the sole species from canine dermatitis. Malassezia sympodialis was identified in 11 (7.7%) specimens, always in association with other species: it was never isolated from kennel dogs. Statistical analysis of data showed a very significant difference (P < 0.01) in the prevalence of isolation of Malassezia spp. between animals with and without dermatological signs, and in the distribution of cultural burden between diseased and healthy dogs. A statistically significant difference (P<0.05) was also detected in the group of animals between 1- and 5-years of age. No significant difference was found between male and female dogs.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15281400/