Phenotypic and molecular characterization of virulence-associated enzymes in Malassezia spp. isolated from companion animals in northern Iran

Authors

  • Nima Niaee Barmachi Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, SR.C., Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
  • Mansour Bayat Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, SR.C., Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
  • Nakisa Sohrabi Haghdoost Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, SR.C., Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
  • Batool Ghorbaniyekta Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
  • Leila Eini Farahani Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, SR.C., Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18502/ijm.v18i4.22203

Keywords:

Malassezia pachydermatis; Malassezia nana; Virulence factors; Lipase; Phospholipase; Keratinase

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Malassezia spp. are lipid-dependent yeasts that colonize the skin of humans and animals and may act as opportunistic pathogens. This study aimed to characterize virulence-associated enzymes and their encoding genes in Malassezia spp. isolated from companion animals in northern Iran.

Materials and Methods: A total of 300 clinical samples were collected from dogs and cats with dermatological or otic lesions. Species identification was performed using ITS-based PCR. Multiplex PCR was used to detect LIP, PLB, and KER genes. Enzymatic activity was evaluated using the Pz index. Statistical analyses included Chi-square and Spearman’s cor- relation tests (p < 0.05).

Results: Eighty isolates were identified as Malassezia pachydermatis (87.5%) and Malassezia nana (12.5%). LIP, PLB, and KER genes were detected in 90%, 62.5%, and 50% of isolates, respectively. Strong enzymatic activity (Pz ≤ 0.69) was observed in 41.2% of isolates. A significant association was found between the presence of the PLB gene and phospholipase activity.

Conclusion: Malassezia pachydermatis was the predominant species. Virulence-associated genes were associated with high- er enzymatic activity, supporting their role in pathogenic potential.

Published

2026-08-03

Issue

Volume (18) issue (4)

Section

Articles