Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Malassezia yeast found in cat skin biopsies and related illness
By Mauldin, Elizabeth A et al.·Published in Veterinary dermatology·2002·Department of Clinical Studies, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Retrospective study: the presence of Malassezia in feline skin biopsies. A clinicopathological study.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A group of cats with skin problems was examined, and 15 out of 550 skin biopsies showed the presence of Malassezia yeast, which can indicate underlying health issues. Eleven of these cats had sudden skin lesions and sadly, all were euthanized or died within two months. Some of these cats had signs that suggested serious conditions like cancer. In a few cases, the Malassezia was found in specific areas like the chin or footpads without causing major health issues. This highlights the importance of checking for serious internal diseases when Malassezia is found in skin samples.
People also search for: cat skin problems Malassezia · cat skin lesions cancer · why is my cat itching and losing fur
Abstract
Malassezia spp. dermatitis, a rare disorder in cats, has previously been associated with immune suppression and internal malignancies. This study evaluates the presence and importance of Malassezia spp. in feline biopsy specimens submitted for histopathological examination. Five hundred and fifty haematoxylin and eosin-stained skin biopsy specimens received for histopathological examination between January 1999 and November 2000 were reviewed. Fifteen (2.7%) submissions contained Malassezia organisms in the stratum corneum of the epidermis or follicular infundibulum. Eleven of 15 cats presented with an acute onset of multifocal to generalized skin lesions. All 11 cats were euthanized or died within 2 months of the onset of clinical signs. Seven cats had dermatopathological changes and clinical signs supportive of paraneoplastic alopecia, and three cats had an interface dermatitis suggestive of erythema multiforme or thymoma-associated dermatosis. Histopathological changes were nonspecific in one cat that was euthanized 2 weeks following onset of severe pruritus and alopecia. In three cats, Malassezia spp. were found in localized sites (two chin, one footpads) and appeared inconsequential to their overall health status. One cat had Malassezia spp. in association with cutaneous demodicosis. These findings suggest that Malassezia yeast in dermatopathological specimens from multifocal or generalized lesions should prompt a thorough clinical work-up for internal neoplasia.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11896965/