Pathological and clinical aspects of the diseases caused by Malassezia species

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Abstract
From veterinary point of viewMalassezia pachydermatishas the greatest significance. It has been standing in the focus of interest since the early 1990s, mostly because of the frequency of otitis externa and dermatitis caused by this yeast in dogs. This is the only lipid-independent species in the genusMalassezia. It can be found in very large proportion on the skin of healthy animals, but can be isolated in much greater number from diseased dogs. It often causes illness together with other pathogens (e.g.Staphylococcus intermedius). Some breeds are predisposed. In addition to the treatment of the accidental concurrent diseases, therapy consists of systemic and/or topical antimicrobial treatment. Ketoconazole is used most frequently.Malassezia pachydermatisplays also a role in the skin disorders of other carnivores. It has little zoonotic potential, it can be dangerous to immunocompromised humans. The otherMalasseziaspecies have little veterinary importance, althoughM. sympodialisandM. globosawere isolated from asymptomatic animals (mostly cats) and from mixed infections.