Attachment of Malassezia pachydermatis to the ear dermal cells in canine otitis externa.

To investigate the predominance of Malassezia pachydermatis (M. pachydermatis) as a causative agent of canine otitis externa, ear cerumen samples were observed for adhesion of M. pachydermatis to the cornified epithelial cells by light and electron microscopes. The yeasts appeared not to adhere to the cornified epithelial cells directly, but they seemed to exist in the proximity of the epithelial cells with an electron opaque halo-like space around them. Polysaccharide and lipid staining techniques were conducted to identify the substances existing in that space. Lipid substances, not saccharides, were observed around the yeasts and the cornified epithelial cells. These results suggested that in the canine ear canal malassezia yeast attachment to the cornified epithelial cells is mediated by lipids.     

Response to Malassezia pachydermatis by peripheral blood mononuclear cells from clinically normal and atopic dogs

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the potential cell-mediated immune response of atopic dogs to the yeast Malassezia pachydermatis and to correlate it with the type-1 hypersensitivity (humoral) response of the same population of dogs. ANIMALS: 16 clinically normal dogs, 15 atopic dogs with Malassezia dermatitis, 5 atopic dogs with Malassezia otitis, and 7 atopic control (ie, without Malassezia dermatitis or otitis) dogs. PROCEDURE: A crude extract of M pachydermatis was extracted for use as an intradermal allergy testing reagent and for stimulation of isolated peripheral blood mononuclear cells in vitro. Flow cytometry was also used to assess cell surface antigenic determinants (CD3, CD4, CD8, CD14, CD21, CD45RA, surface immunoglobulin) on peripheral blood mononuclear cells. RESULTS: Atopic dogs with cytologic evidence of Malassezia dermatitis had an increased lymphocyte blastogenic response to crude M pachydermatis extract, compared with clinically normal dogs and dogs with Malassezia otitis. Atopic control dogs did not differ significantly in their responses from atopic dogs with Malassezia dermatitis or otitis. A significant correlation was not found between the lymphocyte blastogenic response and the type-1 hypersensitivity response to M pachydermatis within any of the groups. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Cell-mediated and humoral reactivities to M pachydermatis contribute to the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis in dogs but are not directly correlated. Modification of the dysregulated immune response toward M pachydermatis may assist in the reduction of pathologic changes associated with an atopic dermatitis phenotype in dogs.     

Malassezia pachydermatis isolated from normal and diseased external ear canals in dogs: a comparative analysis

To investigate the role of Malassezia pachydermatis as a pathogenic agent in canine otitis, a comparative analysis of isolates from normal and diseased external ear canals in dogs was undertaken. Specimens were collected from the ears of dogs with unilateral or bilateral otitis and from healthy dogs. Mycological analysis was by direct microscopy and fungal culture on Sabouraud's dextrose agar and Dixon's agar. Of the otitis specimens, 63.7% showed typical Malassezia cells on cytological examination. In samples taken from the healthy ears of dogs with unilateral otitis, only 21.43% (P<0.05) showed evidence of Malassezia. M. pachydermatis was identified cytologically and culturally in 57.53% (P<0.05), 14.29% and 30.0% of samples from the ears of dogs with otitis, from the healthy ears of dogs with unilateral otitis and from the ears of healthy dogs with no otitis. In the group with otitis associated with M. pachydermatis, the poodle was the most common breed (39.29%; P<0.05), whereas in the group without otitis, the German Shepherd breed was prominent (although this observation was not statistically significant). In both groups, the majority of dogs with M. pachydermatis were aged between 1 and 3 years (P<0.05). The higher incidence of M. pachydermatis isolated from the ears of dogs with otitis externa suggests a putative pathogenic role of this yeast in this condition.     

Bacteriology and mycology of otitis externa in dogs]

The bacterial and fungal flora of 1118 ears of dogs with otitis externa and 100 ears of healthy control dogs were studied in order to isolate the causative agents. The yeast Malassezia pachydermatis (56%) was by far the most common organism in otitic dogs followed by the bacteria Staphylococcus intermedius (23%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (12%), Proteus spp. (6%) and Streptococcus canis (5%). A statistical analysis of observed results showed that the incidence of these organisms is significant in otitic dogs. Many strains of S.intermedius, P.aeruginosa and Proteus spp. are resistant to antimicrobial agents commonly used to treat otitis externa. Therefore an antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed using "Cobas Bact" for these bacterias. Furthermore, 80 strains of M.pachydermatis were submitted to identification-kits (API 20 CAUX, API STAPH, Cobas Micro). The observed results showed that an identification with these tests was not possible.     

Genetic typing of Malassezia pachydermatis from different domestic animals

In the present study, random amplification of polymorphic DNA, which detects DNA polymorphism in fungal genomic DNA, was applied for genetic typing of Malassezia pachydermatis isolates. Fifty-five isolates from different domestic animals and body sites and the neotype strain CBS 1879 were characterized. Primers M13 and OPT-20 were used to analyse their genetic relatedness and similarity. This technique allowed us to distinguish four different genetic types. The predominant genetic type was observed in isolates recovered from different anatomical locations in all animals. It was the only genetic type found in cats, horse, goat and pig. The other three genetic types were observed only in isolates from external ear canals of dogs. Types II and IV were only recovered from external otitic ears and type III from healthy ears. An animal was colonised by more than one type of M. pachydermatis and different genetic types were detected in the same body site. Some genetic types were only isolated from diseased skin.     

Assessment of the antifungal susceptibility of Malassezia pachydermatis in various media using a CLSI protocol

The microdilution antifungal method (CLSI BMD, M27-A3) was used for testing the antifungal susceptibility of Malassezia species. However, optimal broth media that allow sufficient growth of M. pachydermatitis and produce reliable and reproducible MICs using the CLSI BMD protocol are yet to be established. In this study, the susceptibility of M. pachydermatis isolates to ketoconazole (KTZ), itraconazole (ITZ) and fluconazole (FLZ) was evaluated in vitro by the CLSI BMD test using Christensen's urea broth (CUB) and mRPMI 1640 containing lipid supplementation, Sabouraud dextrose broth with 1% tween 80 (SDB), and Dixon broth (DXB). A FLZ-resistant M. pachydermatis was generated in vitro and tested under the same conditions. A good growth of M. pachydermatis incubated for 48 and 72h, respectively, was observed in CUB, SDB and DXB and not in mRPMI 1640 (p<0.001). No statistically significant differences were detected between the MIC values registered after 48h and 72h incubation. ITZ displayed lower MIC values than KTZ and FLZ regardless of the media employed. A large number of FLZ-resistant Malassezia strains (86.6%) was observed using DXB. A MIC>64mg/L was observed only when the FLZ-resistant M. pachydermatis isolate was tested in SDB. Based on the results obtained herein, culture in SDB, stock inoculum suspensions of 1-5×10(6)CFU/ml, and an incubation time of 48h are proposed as optimal conditions for the evaluation of the in vitro antifungal susceptibility of M. pachydermatis using a modified CLSI BMD protocol.     

Identification and antimicrobial susceptibility of bacteria and yeasts isolated from healthy dogs and dogs with otitis externa

The bacterial and fungal flora of the external ear canal of dogs with otitis externa and of healthy dogs were studied. The most frequently isolated microorganism from otitic ears was Staphylococcus intermedius (58.8%), followed by Malassezia pachydermatis (30.9%), Streptococcus canis (29.9%), Proteus spp. (14.4%) and Escherichia coli (10.3%). A statistical analysis of our results showed that the prevalence of these microorganisms is significant in dogs with otitis externa. Furthermore, the antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of isolated strains were determined. Majority of all bacterial isolates were most susceptible to gentamicin. Malassezia pachydermatis, the most prevalent yeast in this study, showed an excellent level of susceptibility to all antifungal agents tested.     

Antifungal effect of Australian tea tree oil on Malassezia pachydermatis isolated from canines suffering from cutaneous skin disease

The lipophilic yeast Malassezia pachydermatis is part of the normal skin flora of most warm-blooded organisms. In a number of surveys it could be demonstrated that this yeast species might be involved in different skin diseases like seborrhoeic dermatitis, especially in dogs and cats. In order to look for an alternative therapeutic agent to the commonly used antimycotic and antiseptic synthetic substances the in vitro activity of Australian tea tree oil, the essential oil of Melaleuca alternifolia, against several strains of Malassezia pachydermatis was examined. All tested strains showed remarkably high susceptibility to tea tree oil. With these results the excellent antibacterial activity of tea tree oil is extended to a new group of fungal pathogens colonizing mainly mammals' skin. During the last ten years there was an increasing popularity of tea tree oil containing human health care products. The presented data open up new horizons for this essential oil as a promising alternative agent for topical use in veterinary medicine as well.     

Factors affecting the adherence of Malassezia pachydermatis to canine corneocytes in vitro

Abstract Suspensions of Malassezia pachydermatis adhered to canine corneocytes attached io adhesive tape in a dose (P < 0.001) and time-dependent (P < 0.01) manner; adherence was maximal after 2 h. M. pachydermatis cells were approximately 10 times more adherent than Saccharomyces cerevisiae (P < 0.001) cells after 2 h incubation. The adherence of formalin-treated and frozen-thawed M. pachydermatis cells was comparable with untreated controls. Stationary-phase cells adhered better (P < 0.05) than exponential-phase cells. Pretreatment of the yeasts, or corneocytes, with 0.1% trypsin for 30 min reduced (P < 0.01) the adherence of four, and two, out of five strains, respectively, whereas incubation with 300 mM solutions of D(+) mannose, sucrose and N-acetyl D-glucosamine had no consistent effect. These results suggest that trypsin-sensitive proteins or glycoproteins on the yeast cell wall, and on the corneocyte surface, play an important role in the adherence of M. pachydermatis to canine corneocytes in vitro, whereas a role for carbohydrate receptors was not demonstrated. Résumé— Des suspensions de Malassezia pachydermatis adhérant à des cornéocytes des chiens sont attachées à des rubans adhésifs de façon significative en function du nombre (P < 0,001) et de la durée (P < 0,01). L'adhérence est maximale après 2 heures. Les levures du genre Malassezia pachydermatis sont approximativement dix fois plus adhérentes que les levures du genre Saccharomyces cerevisiae (P < 0,001) après une incubation de 2 heures. L'adhérence des Malassezia pachydermatis traitées par le formol et congelées - décongelées, est comparable à celle des témoins. Les levures qui ne sont pas en phase de croissance adhérent mieux (P < 0,05) que celles qui le sont. Le traitement préalable des levures ou des cornéocytes avec une solution de trypsine pendant 30 minutes réduit (P < 0,01) l'adhérence tandis que l'incubation avec des solutions à 300 mM de D + mannose, sucrose et de N acétyl D glucosamine n'a pas d'effets. Ces résultats suggèrent que des protéines sensibles à la trypsine ou des glycoprotéines sur la paroi des levures et à la surface des cornéocytes jouent un rôle important in vitro dans l'adhérence des Malassezia pachydermatis aux cornéocytes du chien, alors que le rôle des récepteurs glucidiques n'a pas été démontré. [Bond, R., Lloyd, D. H. Factors affecting the adherence of Malassezia pachydermatis to canine cornéocytes in vitro (Facteurs influençant l'adhérence de Malassezia pachydermatis aux cornéocytes du chien in vitro). Veterinary Dermatology 1996; 7 : 49–56.] Resumen Las suspensiones de Malassezia pachydermatis se adherian a cinta adhesiva de forma dependiente de la dosis (P < 0.001) y del tiempo (P < 0.01); su adherencia fue máxima a las 2 h. Las células de M. pachydermatis fueron aproximadamente 10 veces más adherentes que las de Saccharomyces cerevisiae (P < 0.001) a las 2 h de incubación. La adherencia de células de M. pachydermatis tratadas con formalina y congeladas-descongeladas fue comparable con los controles no tratados. Las células en estadio estacionario se adherian mejor (P < 0.05) que las de fase exponencial. El tratamiento previo de las levaduras o los corneocitos con 0.1% de tripsina durante 30 min redujo (P < 0.01) la adherencia de cuatro, y dos, de cinco cepas, respectivamente, mientras que su incubación con soluciones 300 mM de D(+) manosa, sucrosa y N-acetil D-glucosamina no tuvieron un efecto constante. Estos resultados sugieren que proteinas o glieoproteinas sensibles a la tripsina en la pared de la levadura, y en la superficie del corneocito, juegan un papel importante en la adherencia de M. pachydermatis a los corneocitos caninos in vitro, mientras que no se pudo demostrar un papel por parte de los receptores de carbohidratos. [Bond, R., Lloyd, D. H. Factors affecting the adherence of Malassezia pachydermatis to canine corneocytes in vitro (Facto res que afectan la adherencia de Malassezia pachydermatis a los corneocitos caninos in vitro). Veterinary Dermatology 1996; 7 : 49–56.] Zusammenfassung— Suspensionen von Malassezia pachydermatis zeigten eine Adhärenz an kanine Korneozyten, die an einem Klebeband befestigt waren, in dosisabhängiger (P < 0,001) und zeitabhängiger Weise (P < 0,01). Die Adhärenz erreichte ein maximum nach 2 Stunden. M. pachydermatis-Zellen waren ungefähr 10 mal stärker adhärent als Saccharomyces cervisiae-Zellen nach Zstündiger Inkubation (P < 0,001). Die Adhärenz von formalinbehandelten und gefrorenen/aufgetauten M. pachydermatis-Zellen war vergleichbar mit unbehandelten Kontrollzellen. Zellen der stationären Phase waren besser adhärent (P < 0,05) als Zellen der exponentiellen Phase. Eine Vorbehandlung der Hefen oder Korneozyten mit 0,1% igem Trypsin über 30 Minuten reduzierte die Adhärenz (P < 0,01) von 4 bzw. 2 aus 5 Linien, während eine Inkubation mit 300 mm Lösungen von D(+)Mannose, Sucrose und N-Acetyl-D-Glukosaminen keinen entsprechenden Effekt hatte. Diese Ergebnisse legen nahe, daß Trypsin-sensible Proteine oder Glykoproteine an der Zellwand der Hefe und auf der Korneozytenoberfläche eine wichtige Rolle für die Adhärenz von M. pachydermatis an kanine Korneozyten in-vitro spielen, während eine Bedeutung für Kohlenhydrat-Rezeptoren nicht demonstriert werden konnte. [Bond, R., Lloyd, D. H. Factors affecting the adherence of Malassezia pachydermatis to canine corneocytes in vitro (Einflußfaktoren auf die Adhärenz von Malassezia pachydermatis an kanine Korneozyten in vitro). Veterinary Dermatology 1996; 7 : 49–56.]     

Comparative analysis of the frequency, distribution and population sizes of yeasts associated with canine seborrheic dermatitis and healthy skin

The purpose of this study was to investigate the diversity of yeast associated with the degree of canine seborrheic dermatitis (SD) by anatomical sites. Fifty-seven samples were divided as 17 healthy skin, 20 with primary seborrheic dermatitis (PSD), and 20 with secondary seborrheic dermatitis (SSD). Yeast isolation and characterization were carried out based on microscopical features and biochemical properties. DNA analysis at the internal transcribed spacer I of 26S rDNA region was utilized for species confirmation. Four species of yeast consisting Malassezia pachydermatis, Malassezia furfur, Candida parapsilosis and Candida tropicalis recovered from examined dogs. M. pachydermatis and C. parapsilosis were isolated from all dogs, but C. tropicalis and M. furfur were recovered from 3 healthy dogs and one diseased dog, respectively. The number of M. pachydermatis and C. parapsilosis in diseased dogs was higher than that of healthy specimens (P<0.01). High frequency and population size of C. parapsilosis were closely associated to PSD, while those of M. pachydermatis were associated with both PSD and SSD (P<0.01). C. parapsilosis were predominant at the perianal area. This study demonstrated the co-colonization of M. pachydermatis and C. parapsilosis in large amounts and frequency associated with stage of disease and anatomical site.     

P-19 Sporotrichosis in São Paulo (Brazil): clinical and epidemiological features

The aim of this study was to determine the in vitro antifungal activity of several antifungal drugs (posaconazole, nystatin, miconazole and clotrimazole) against Malassezia pachydermatis with microdilution and agar dilution techniques. Malassezia pachydermatis isolates were obtained from the skin and ears of dogs. Tests on solid media were performed using 25-well Petri dishes (2 mL/well containing Sabouraud's dextrose agar and diluted antifungal drug) inoculated with 5 μL suspensions of M. pachydermatis . Microtitre broth dilution used 96-well microtitre plates containing Sabourauds dextrose broth and appropriate dilutions of antifungal drugs, inoculated with 10 μL standard suspensions of M. pachydermatis . Plates were inoculated in duplicate and incubated at 30°C for 5 days and growth assessed. The four antifungal drugs were tested in 10 dilutions (4.0-0.007 μg/mL for posaconazole, and 32--0.06 μg/mL for clotrimazole, miconazole and nystatin). Results obtained for 83 strains of M. pachydermatis and a control reference strain (CBS 1879) exhibited the same pattern. Results of the MIC between microtitre and agar methodologies showed no significant differences (≤ 2-fold) across all drugs. For both solid and liquid methods, posaconazole was the most effective antifungal drug of the four tested with MIC₉₀ of 1–2 μg/mL for posaconazole, 16–32 μg/mL for clotrimazole, and ≥ 32 μg/mL for miconazole and nystatin.
Funding: Schering-Plough.     

Immune response to fungal infections

The immune mechanisms of defence against fungal infections are numerous, and range from protective mechanisms that were present early in evolution (innate immunity) to sophisticated adaptive mechanisms that are induced specifically during infection and disease (adaptive immunity). The first-line innate mechanism is the presence of physical barriers in the form of skin and mucous membranes, which is complemented by cell membranes, cellular receptors and humoral factors. There has been a debate about the relative contribution of humoral and cellular immunity to host defence against fungal infections. For a long time it was considered that cell-mediated immunity (CMI) was important, but humoral immunity had little or no role. However, it is accepted now that CMI is the main mechanism of defence, but that certain types of antibody response are protective. In general, Th1-type CMI is required for clearance of a fungal infection, while Th2 immunity usually results in susceptibility to infection. Aspergillosis, which is a disease caused by the fungus Aspergillus, has been the subject of many studies, including details of the immune response. Attempts to relate aspergillosis to some form of immunosuppression in animals, as is the case with humans, have not been successful to date. The defence against Aspergillus is based on recognition of the pathogen, a rapidly deployed and highly effective innate effector phase, and a delayed but robust adaptive effector phase. Candida albicans, part of the normal microbial flora associated with mucous surfaces, can be present as congenital candidiasis or as acquired defects of cell-mediated immunity. Resistance to this yeast is associated with Th1 CMI, whereas Th2 immunity is associated with susceptibility to systemic infection. Dermatophytes produce skin alterations in humans and other animals, and the essential role of the CMI response is to destroy the fungi and produce an immunoprotective status against re-infection. The resolution of the disease is associated with a delayed hypersensitive response. There are many effective veterinary vaccines against dermatophytoses. Malassezia pachydermatis is an opportunistic yeast that needs predisposing factors to cause disease, often related to an atopic status in the animal. Two species can be differentiated within the genus Cryptococcus with immunologic consequences: C. neoformans infects predominantly immunocompromised hosts, and C. gattii infects non-immunocompromised hosts. Pneumocystis is a fungus that infects only immunosupressed individuals, inducing a host defence mechanism similar to that induced by other fungal pathogens, such as Aspergillus.     

Assessment of the ability of Malassezia pachydermatis to stimulate proliferation of canine keratinocytes in vitro

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the direct interaction between canine keratinocytes and live Malassezia pachydermatis and thereby determine the role of these organisms in the pathogenesis of epidermal hyperplasia associated with Malassezia dermatitis in dogs. SAMPLE POPULATION: Primary canine keratinocyte cultures established from skin samples obtained from clinically normal dogs. PROCEDURE: The proliferative response of keratinocytes co-cultured with Malassezia organisms for 1, 2, or 3 days was assessed by use of direct manual counting (to determine the number of keratinocytes in both the monolayer and the medium) and immunohistochemical staining techniques involving antibodies against proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and another cellular proliferation marker, Ki-67. The potential cytotoxic effect of Malassezia organisms was investigated by use of an apoptosis detection kit to label keratinocytes co-cultured with M. pachydermatis that underwent apoptosis. RESULTS: No stimulatory effect of Malassezia organisms on canine keratinocyte proliferation was detected via cell counting and immunohistochemical techniques. However, there was a significant increase in dead keratinocytes in the medium with increasing numbers of Malassezia organisms in the co-culture. More apoptotic cells were observed in keratinocyte monolayers co-cultured with high numbers of M. pachydermatis than there were in monolayers cultured without Malassezia organisms, and the number increased after prolonged incubation. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: M. pachydermatis did not stimulate canine keratinocyte proliferation in vitro. The results suggested that the epidermal hyperplasia observed in dogs with Malassezia dermatitis is unlikely to be caused by a direct effect of the organism on the keratinocyte cell cycle, but is likely to involve other mechanisms.     

Studies on the role of carbohydrates in the adherence of Malassezia pachydermatis to canine corneocytes in vitro

A panel of four lectins was used to investigate the role of carbohydrates in the adherence of Malassezia pachydermatis to canine corneocytes in vitro . Pretreatment of canine corneocytes with concanavalin A (10 μg ml⁻¹) inhibited ( P < 0.01) the adherence of one out of six M. pachydermatis strains. This effect was abrogated by pre-incubating concanavalin A with its hapten inhibitor (6% methyl α- d -mannopyranoside), suggesting that mannosyl-bearing carbohydrate residues on the epithelial cells serve as ligands for adhesins expressed by this strain. However, treatment of corneocytes with soybean, wheat germ and gorse lectin, and pretreatment of the yeast cells with either of the four lectins had no reproducible effect on the adherence of two strains.     

Malassezia pachydermatis isolated from a South American sea lion (Otaria byronia) with dermatitis

A fungus was isolated from the skin of an Otaria byronia and from the water of the pool in which the animal was kept. It formed creamy colonies with soft texture on Dixon agar and grew well without supplements of long-chain fatty acids. Cells were ovoid to cylindrical in shape, budded from a broad base, and budded and divided at the same location. Thus, the isolate was identified as M. pachydermatis. We compared this very rare isolate from a marine mammal with four strains of M. pachydermatis using the freeze-etching electron-microscopy technique. The cells showed the same characteristic ring-swellings on the protoplasmic membrane on the neck site between the mother and the daughter parts, and the same accumulation of circumvallate bulgings in a small area near the straight sections of spiral grooves as four reference strains. Thus, in terms of morphology and ultrastructure, the isolate could be regarded as a typical M. pachydermatis.     

Colonisation status of Malassezia pachydermatis on the hair and in the hair follicle of healthy beagle dogs

Hair and hair follicle carriage of Malassezia pachydermatis was studied in 12 healthy beagle dogs. The yeast was isolated from hair clipped from the lip region at 13 sites in nine dogs but was less frequently recovered from the interdigital spaces on the forefeet and from two sites on the trunk. Population sizes at the lip were significantly greater (P < 0.01) than those at other sites. Skin biopsy specimens were obtained from the same sites and epidermal and follicular tissues dissected following immersion in 1 M CaBr(2). Epidermal carriage of M. pachydermatis was identified in nine biopsy specimens taken from five dogs. Hair follicle carriage was identified in five skin specimens (four foot, one lip) from three dogs. This study indicates that M. pachydermatis is readily recovered from the distal hair in healthy dogs and that hair follicle carriage is infrequent or that populations are low at that site.     

Otitis externa induced with Malassezia pachydermatis in dogs and the efficacy of pimaricin.

Eight beagles were experimentally inoculated intraotally with Malassezia pachydermatis to induce acute otitis externa. Three or 4 days after the inoculation, the animals showed the symptoms of otitis externa. All ear canals were erythematous and the dogs were shaking their heads. A large number of M. pachydermatis was noticed in exudate taken from every ear canal. Clinical signs of otitis externa were reduced after treatment with 0.1 ml (per canal) of 1% pimaricin suspension twice a day for 3 days. The amount of exudate decreased gradually and 12 of the 16 ear swabs examined, thereafter, were found to be negative for M. pachydermatis within 10 days. No side effects were observed in all the treated cases. These results suggested that M. pachydermatis could induce the canine otitis externa, and that pimaricin is effective agent for M. pachydermatis infection in ear canals.     

The association of Pityrosporum pachydermatis with the normal external ear canal of dogs and cats

The frequency of Pityrosporum pachydermatis within the non-otitic external ear canals of dogs and cats has been investigated and an assessment of the abundance of the yeast made by microscopic and cultural techniques. It was present in varying amounts in 49% of clean dog ears and 23% of clean cat ears. Microscopically, 14% of the ears were found to contain the yeast in large numbers. A further 3 % of ears examined showed excessive cerumen production and all these contained the yeast.
The prevalence of P. pachydermatis in non-otitic ears of both dogs and cats was similar to that previously reported in otitic ears.     

Higher incidence of Malassezia pachydermatis in the eyes of dogs with corneal ulcer than in healthy dogs

Malassezia pachydermatis is usually associated with otitis and dermatitis in dogs but it can also cause diseases in other species, including humans. In a human neonatal intensive care unit, M. pachydermatis was isolated from an infant's ocular discharge. Therefore, the aim of this study was to ascertain the presence of Malassezia spp. and its possible consequences in dogs' eyes. This research included 19 dogs with unilateral or bilateral corneal ulcers and 60 healthy dogs. A total of 158 clinical specimens from both the groups were obtained from the conjunctival sac of each eye by a calibrated platinum loop. The samples were placed on Dixon and blood agar, incubated at 35 degrees C, and examined daily for 15 days. Then, the strains were subcultured on Sabouraud agar. Of 22 clinical specimens collected from the eyes with corneal ulcers, five cultures (23%) were positive for M. pachydermatis. Of 16 samples collected from the contralateral healthy eye, cultures were positive in three samples (19%). Three animals had unilateral corneal ulcer and positive cultures for M. pachydermatis in both the eyes. Two dogs had unilateral corneal ulcer and positive cultures for M. pachydermatis in the same eye. However, from the 120 samples of 60 healthy dogs, only four clinical specimens (3%) had positive cultures for M. pachydermatis. The findings of M. pachydermatis, in a considerable percentage of clinical specimens from dogs with corneal ulcer, suggest its possible role at least as an aggravating factor in the pathophysiology of this disease.     

Effects of beta-thujaplicin on anti-Malassezia pachydermatis remedy for canine otitis externa

The antifungal activity of beta-thujaplicin was evaluated against 51 Malassezia pachydermatis strains isolated from canine ear canals with or without otitis externa. For comparison, sensitivity tests were performed on M. pachydermatis isolates for nystatin, ketoconazole, and terbinafine HCl, all clinically available antifungal agents. The minimal inhibition concentrations over 50% of the tested isolates (MIC50) were 3.13 microg/ml for beta-thujaplicin and nystatin, 0.016 microg/ml for ketoconazole, and 1.56 microg/ml for terbinafine HCl. The antifungal effect for M. pachydermatis of beta-thujaplicin compared favorably with commercial antifungal agents. None of the 51 M. pachydermatis isolates showed resistance against any of the tested antibiotics investigated in this study. Ten representative isolates of M. pachydermatis were subcultured for 30 generations at concentrations close to the MIC levels of beta-thujaplicin, nystatin, ketoconazole, and terbinafine HCl, and examined to determine whether they had acquired resistance to each drug. As a result, M. pachydermatis was found to achieve resistance more easily for ketoconazole and terbinafine HCl than for beta-thujaplicin or nystatin. The MIC50 of beta-thujaplicin did not change during the course of subculture, and it is thought that the potential development of a resistant strain is low, even with continuous infusion for otitis externa therapy. beta-Thujaplicin is an inexpensive and safe treatment with anti-inflammatory and deodorant effects that can be recommended as an effective remedy for canine otitis externa.