Abstract
Malassezia species are part of the normal mycobiota of skin of animals and humans but they can cause skin and blood stream infections as well. These yeasts are all lipid dependent explained by the absence of fatty acid synthase genes in their genome. At the same time, metabolic reconstruction revealed differences in the metabolism of fungal steroids and degradation of CoA-activated long-chain FAs, arachidonic acid, and butanoate metabolism between Malassezia yeasts. In addition, differences in the assimilation of palmitic acid were predicted. Indeed, M. furfur was able to metabolize palmitic acid but M. globosa, M. sympodialis, M. pachydermatis, and an atypical variant of M. furfur were not able to do so. Tools to genetically modify Malassezia have become available recently, which will speed up the process to decipher mechanisms underlying growth and pathogenicity of these yeasts. Here, we will provide an overview about the genus Malassezia and make an assessments to the new insights in this yeast.
Highlights
Introduction to the Genus MalasseziaThe genus Malassezia belongs to the phylum Basidiomycota and comprises 14 established species as well as 3 species that were first described in 2016 (Table 1) [1,2,3,4]
This review presents an update about the Malassezia genus and show new data that open new perspectives about the research of this yeast
In this review we described the current status of research and description of the Malassezia genus as well as new advances in this field
Summary
The genus Malassezia belongs to the phylum Basidiomycota and comprises 14 established species as well as 3 species that were first described in 2016 (Table 1) [1,2,3,4]. Malassezia yeasts are part of the microbiome of healthy human skin but they have been associated with dermatological conditions like dandruff (D), Seborrheic Dermatitis (SD), and Pityriasis Versicolor (PV) [5,6] They have been associated, albeit at low incidence, with systemic infections in patients such as neonates that receive intravenous lipid therapy. Cluster B is represented by M. globosa and M. restricta that are the most abundant species on healthy human skin and M. sympodialis and M. dermatis that are slightly less common on healthy individuals These 4 species have been associated with dermatological diseases such as D/SD, AD, and PV [5,31]. This medium contains peptone with traces of lipids such as palmitic acid [2,41]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
