Malassezia Spp Research Articles

Molecular identification of Malassezia from the skin scrapings of clinically suspected cases of pityriasis versicolor.

Pityriasis versicolor (PV) is caused by a lipophilic fungus belonging to the genus Malassezia. Potassium hydroxide (KOH) mount is most frequently used for screening of cases and culture is the gold standard. KOH lacks sensitivity, and culture is time-consuming and technically demanding. A cross-sectional study was conducted at a tertiary care teaching institution. We aimed to use multiplex-PCR for faster and accurate identification of Malassezia spp directly from skin scrapings of suspected cases of PV. The study was conducted on suspected cases of PV over a period of 12 months. The clinical and demographic details were recorded. The skin scrapings were subjected to KOH mount and cultured on Sabouraud's dextrose agar with an olive oil overlay. Multiplex-PCR targeting 11 Malassezia spp was performed on DNA extracted from skin scrapings. A total of 69 suspected cases of PV were studied. Most patients belonged to metro cities and worked in hot and humid climates. The mean duration of lesions was 18 months, and most had macular and patchy lesions. The sensitivity of KOH and culture was found to be 82.6% and 91.3%, respectively. M. globosa (n = 60, 87%) and M. restricta (n = 3, 4.3%) were isolated in culture. Multiplex PCR detected 85.5% of M. globosa, 5.8% of M. restricta, and 8.7% of mixed infection with M. globosa and M. restricta. M-PCR detected Malassezia in all the samples. M-PCR could identify Malassezia species directly from skin specimens, eliminating the need for culture. M-PCR was accurate, dependable, and exhibited a rapid turnaround time.

Cellular profile of the skin and ocular surface in healthy shih-tzu dogs

Cytology involves analyzing individual cells and is crucial for diagnosing skin and ocular surface diseases. The skin acts as a barrier against various threats and communicates with the immune system via receptors. The conjunctiva also provides protection to the eyes. This study aimed to describe the cytological profiles of healthy Shih-Tzu dogs' skin and ocular surfaces, assessing how age impacts these profiles. Materials for cytological analysis were collected using a nylon microbrush and evaluated with the Schirmer test. Results showed lymphocytes were predominant in ocular cytology (RE - 47%, LE - 41.93%), while polymorphonuclear cells dominated in nasal fold (62%) and palmar pad cytologies (100%). Superficial cells were prevalent in all regions (RE 83.11%, LE 90.52%, palmar pads 100%, nasal fold 96.91%). Malassezia spp was detected in all areas. This research underscores the cellular variations across different anatomical sites and provides insights into normal cytological patterns in these dogs.

MALASSEZIA FUNGAL DERMATITIS AND RHIPICEPHALUS SANGUINEUS TICK INFESTATION IN MIXED BREED DOGS

Dermatitis is the most common skin health problem in dogs whose causative agents are parasitic, bacterial, fungal and viral infections. The purpose of this paper is to diagnose and determine the success of dermatitis therapy due to Malassezia spp fungal infection and Rhipicephalus sanguineus tick infestation. A 7-month-old mixed breed dog weighing 4.5 kg was examined with complaints of itching and hair baldness. Clinical examination revealed alopecia on the face, chin, body and legs, scale on the head, papules on the abdomen, erythema on the cranial and caudal extremities with oily, rancid skin and Rhipicephalus sanguineus ticks on the hind legs. The results of cytological examination of skin taken by impression smear found the presence of Malassezia fungal agents. The results of the examination using the antibody kit showed negative results. Routine hematology examination showed the case dog had lymphocytosis and hyperchromic macrocytic anemia. Based on the history, physical examination, and supporting examination, the case dog was diagnosed with Malassezia fungal dermatitis and tick infestation with a prognosis of fausta.The therapy given was oral itraconazole, loratadine, fish oil, sebasol shampoo and multivitamin (sakatonic active). The results of therapy observed on day 14 showed that the condition of the case dog began to improve, characterized by a reduced scratching reaction, reduced scale, erythema, and papules, and superficial skin that was initially oily and rancid smelling had also begun to decrease. The case dog's hair has grown on the head, abdomen and legs. Therefore, to avoid recurrent infections, owners need to avoid keeping the animal in a humid place and keep the animal's body clean as favorable conditions can trigger recurrent events, as well as reduce direct contact with stray dogs to prevent ticks.

Decreased skin colonization with Malassezia spp. and increased skin colonization with Candida spp. in patients with severe atopic dermatitis.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic relapsing inflammatory skin disease in which patients are sensitized towards a plethora of allergens. The hosts fungal microbiota, the mycobiota, that is believed to be altered in patients suffering from AD acts as such an allergen. The correlation context of specific sensitization, changes in mycobiota and its impact on disease severity however remains poorly understood. We aim to enhance the understanding of the specific sensitization towards the mycobiota in AD patients in relation to their fungal skin colonization. Sensitization pattern towards the Malassezia spp. and Candida albicans of 16 AD patients and 14 healthy controls (HC) were analyzed with the newly developed multiplex-assay ALEX2® and the established singleplex-assay ImmunoCAP®. We compared these findings with the fungal skin colonization analyzed by DNA sequencing of the internal transcribed spacer region 1 (ITS1). Sensitization in general and towards Malassezia spp. and C. albicans is increased in AD patients compared to HC with a quantitative difference in severe AD when compared to mild to moderate AD. Further we saw an association between sensitization towards and skin colonization with Candida spp. yet a negative correlation between sensitization towards and skin colonization with Malassezia spp. We conclude that AD in general and severe AD in particular is associated with increased sensitization towards the hosts own mycobiota. There is positive correlation in Candida spp. skin colonization and negative in Malassezia spp. skin colonization when compared to AD, AD severity as well as to specific sensitization patterns.

FUNGAL DERMATITIS INFECTION OF MALASSEZIA SPP. IN MIXED BREED DOG

Malassezia dermatitis is a skin disease caused by fungi of Malassezia spp. that can be superficial and systemic with local or generalised lesions. The purpose of this report is to diagnose and determine the therapeutic success of dermatitis caused by Malassezia spp. fungal infection systemically with generalised and chronic lesions. An 8-year-old mixed breed dog weighing 6.41 kg was examined at the Veterinary Internal Medicine Laboratory, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Udayana University with complaints of itching and hair baldness. Clinical examination found generalised alopecia with thickening of the skin, hyperpigmentation on the neck and dorsal region of the body, erythema and papules on the abdominal flank and caudal extremity of the lateral femoral, and scale on the head area. Cytological examination of the skin taken by impression smear found the fungal agent Malassezia spp. Routine haematological examination showed that the dog had lymphocytosis, and hypochromic normocytic anaemia. Based on anamnesis, physical examination, and supporting examination, the dog was diagnosed with dermatitis caused by a Malassezia spp. fungal infection with a fausta prognosis. The dog was treated with oral ketoconazole, chlorpheniramine maleate, fish oil, sebasol shampoo, and dryfood (Dograng classic®). The results of therapy on the 28th day showed that the dog's condition was getting better as indicated by significant hair growth. Therefore, to avoid recurrent infections owners need to avoid keeping their dogs in damp places and stop using human shampoos and dish soaps to bathe their dogs as they can affect the pH of the skin, triggering fungal growth.

Le rôle du mycobiome en santé

AbstractThe human mycobiome, which varies according to its location, remains a small entity compared with the other components of the microbiome. It appears to play an important role in health, notably as an activator of inflammation and immunity. The mycobiome is formed at birth and can vary according to delivery mode and the infant's diet. Throughout life, the mycobiome varies depending on a number of factors, including diet, age, sex and treatments. In the lung, as in the digestive tract, the mycobiome shows great intra-individual variability and changes according to the dietary or airborne exposome. The pulmonary or digestive "core mycobiome" is mainly composed of Candida-type yeasts (Saccharomycotina) and Malassezia spp. Fungal dysbiosis has been described in several pathologies, in particular chronic inflammatory diseases, but also cancers and non-fungal infectious diseases. Candida spp., which are involved in mycobiome, appear to play a pro-inflammatory role or even promote tumorigenesis. This review summarizes current knowledge of the mycobiome at different anatomical sites and its role in human health. Knowledge of the mycobiome in healthy subjects will eventually enable us to investigate fungal dysbiosis and its diagnostic or prognostic factors.

Seborrheic dermatitis - pathogenesis, epidemiology and effective treatment - literature review

Introduction: Seborrheic dermatitis (SD) is common inflammatory dermatology disease. It’s affect up to 3-8% of the population. SD is characterized by erythema yellowish plaques and different level of itching and scaling. The last two symptoms are important factors that affect the quality of life of patients. This condition is usually a reaction to growth of Malassezia spp and commonly develop in regions of strong sebaceous glands such as the scalp, facial area, chest, back. Other factors include increased activity of sebaceous glands, immunosuppression, and stress.
 Aim of the study: A review of current stage of knowledge on the pathophysiology, epidemiology of Seborrheic Dermatitis. Recommended management with newest guidelines of this disease. The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and the use of masks on the incidence of Seborrheic Dermatitis.
 Material and methods: This review was based on available data searched in the PubMed and Google Scholar by using key words: Seborrheic dermatitis, pathophysiology, epidemiology, diagnosis, treatment, clinical presentation, scalp, infant. 
 Conclusion: The Pathogenesis of Seborrheic dermatitis is not fully understood, the exact molecular process needs to be examined. SD is chronic disease with episode of remission and relapse of symptoms. Patients should be informed that ongoing maintenance treatment will be required. Treatment include topical antifungal (ketoconazole, Ciclopirox olamine, zinc pyrithione) and topical anti-inflammatory drugs like mild or mid-strength corticosteroids or calcineurin inhibitors (off-label use). In severe or resistance cases systematic therapy could be necessary. In this situation antifungal drugs (terbinafine, itraconazole) or low dose of isotretinoin are available options. Also new synergic treatments were introduce like cannabinoids or vitamin D which could make therapy more efficiency.

The role of Malassezia species on Human skin: Commensals and Pathogens

Malassezia spp are recognized as skin commensals that may be pathogenic under certain conditions. For many years, it was known as commensals but recently it has been identified causing many superficial skin infections and fungemia. There are many hypotheses regarding the pathogenesis of Malassezia infections. As there is limited data on physiology and pathogenesis of Malassezia, therefore, in recent years new tools has been evolved for Malassezia culture, detection and genetic manipulation which have revealed the ubiquity of Malassezia on skin. As Malassezia cannot synthesize fatty acid, it secretes various enzyme such as lipase, phospholipase, protease and esterase to compensate it. These enzymes act as virulence factors for skin disorder caused by Malassezia. The mechanism behind the switching over of commensals to pathogen is unclear. The genetic and host susceptibility plays a vital role in commensalism and pathogenesis of Malassezia. This review article will discuss the pathogenesis and commensalism of Malassezia species in human skin.

Frequency of dermatophytes and yeasts on tegument of healthy dogs and cats

Skin is an organ that covers the body and acts as a protective layer against external aggressions. Changes in this organ, such as hair loss, evident blemishes, changes in skin pigmentation, and the presence of scaling or crusts, are the main signs of dermatological disease. The study aimed to verify the frequency of dermatophytes and yeasts in healthy cats and dogs. Samples of hair and shedding from 30 cats and 30 dogs were cultured on dermatophyte test medium and Sabouraud Dextrose agar enriched with yeast extract, thiamine, antibiotics (streptomycin and chloramphenicol) supplemented with cycloheximide and incubated at 25°C and 35°C for 10 days. The positive cultures were assessed macro and microscopically, and the fungi were identified by biochemical methods. It was found that 100% of the cats had a positive mycological culture for Microsporum canis, 33.33% for Microsporum gypseum, and 50% for Trichophyton mentagrophytes, with a prevalence of Microsporum canis (P>0.001). In dogs, 86.66% were positive for Microsporum canis, showing a predominance over the other fungal species (P<0.001). Malassezia pachydermatis was isolated in 50% of the dogs evaluated, although it was not found in cats, while positive cultures for Malassezia spp were found in 6.6% of cats and 26.66% of dogs. Candida albicans was isolated in samples of dogs and cats (26.66% and 33.33%, respectively). It was concluded that asymptomatic dogs and cats are carriers of agents of dermatophytosis and dermatomycoses and may be important sources of environmental spread and intra and interspecific infection.

Phenotypic Characterization of Malassezia spp isolated from Healthy Individuals

Malassezia spp is a normal inhabitant of human skin. In certain predisposing conditions, they proliferate and grow in hyphal forms without inflicting inflammation as in pityriasis versicolor and may involve in the pathogenesis of disease with noticeable inflammation such as psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis and atopic dermatitis. Malassezia spp accounted approximately 60-90% of the total cutaneous fungal microflora. A clear understanding about the distribution of Malassezia spp in healthy individuals is necessary to gain the knowledge in the involvement of Malassezia as pathogen from commensals. A total of 120 healthy men and 120 healthy women without any skin disease or who were not treated for Malassezia associated skin disease were selected for study. The specimen of skin scrapings was collected from forehead, chest, neck and back from each subject totaling 880 sites. Phenotypically the samples were processed. The isolation rate of Malassezia from 240 healthy individuals was 41% (N=99). The positive culture rate in healthy individuals was high in the age group of 21-30 (32%). In healthy individuals, M. globosa was the most common species with 154 isolates (53%) followed by M. furfur 82 (28%), M. pachydermatis 33(11.3%), M. sympodialis 16(5.4%), M. slooffiae 4(1.3%), M. restricta 2(0.6%) and M obtusa 1(0.3%). The overall colonization rate of Malassezia spp in healthy individuals found in this study was 41%. M. globose was identified as the most common species (53%).

Antifungal susceptibility testing of Malassezia spp isolated from patients with Pityriasis versicolor and healthy individuals

Antifungal susceptibility testing of Malassezia spp isolated from patients with Pityriasis versicolor and healthy individuals

Spectrum of bacterial microflora of trophic ulcers against the background of varicose and post-thrombotic decompensated venous insufficiency

Annotation. The main cause of long-term wound healing is chronic inflammation, microcirculation disorders, and bacterial contamination of wound surfaces with the formation of biofilms. The frequency of trophic ulcers of the lower extremities, microbial resistance, and a significant recurrence rate (20-70%) is a topical issue today. The purpose of this work is to establish their bacterial component and possible relationships with microcirculation depending on the etiology of decompensated chronic venous insufficiency in order to improve the healing of trophic ulcers. From 2018 to 2022, 174 patients with chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) C6 according to CEAP, aged from 38 to 69 years (on average, 55±5.3 years), were treated in the surgical clinic of the regional hospital. To monitor microflora and susceptibility to prescribed antimicrobials, a bacteriological study was conducted comparing the widely used paper disc method with the quantitative method of measuring the minimum concentration of growth inhibition. The study of the microcirculation of the skin of the lower extremities was carried out taking into account the angiosomal approach on the TCM 400 Radiometer device (Denmark). The study used the ratio of the value obtained in the first metacarpal area of the lower limbs to the same value in the chest. Statistical processing and analysis of the obtained results was performed using the Jamovi program. Analysis of the selected samples showed the diversity of the polymicrobial community, Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus spp., Enterococcus spp.) were detected in the upper layers of the biofilm, Gram-negative and microscopic fungi Malassezia and Candida – in the deep layers. Anaerobic microorganisms (Prevotella spp., Porphorymonas spp.) were also isolated from samples of such wounds in 2%. When studying the microbial landscape of ulcers, it was found that the share of Staphylococcus spp. is: 65%; Enterococcus spp. – 60%; Pseudomonas spp. – 39%; Proteus spp., Enterobacter spp. and Citrobacter spp. – about 25%; Streptococcus spp. – 26%; Escherichia spp. – 15%; Morganella spp. – 9%; Klebsiella spp., Acinetobacter spp. – 4%; Xanthomonas spp., Prevotella spp., Porphorymonas spp. – 2%, respectively. Fungi culture Candida spp. and Malassezia spp were detected in all patients with CVI in the decompensation stage. The change in tcpCO2 indicators (46.4±1.4) is observed more in patients with gram-negative infectious agents and more acidic pH. In the group of patients where Gr+ infectious agents were detected, the average tcpCO2 level was 44.6±1.5.

Dermoscopy in superficial fungal infection

Superficial fungal infections are one of the most common skin infection infections. It is caused by fungal pathogens and is limited to the outer layer of the skin, hair, and nails. Superficial fungal infections include dermatophytosis, superficial candidiasis, and diseases caused by Malassezia spp. Most physicians diagnose and treat superficial fungal infections based solely on clinical appearance. But unfortunately, there are many other infectious and non-infectious diseases with a similar clinical appearance.
 Dermoscopy is a practical and noninvasive imaging method that allows magnifying clinical surface images that are normally invisible under a magnifying lens. In diagnosing superficial mycosis, dermoscopy was more sensitive and specificity than potassium chloride (KOH) and fungal culture.
 More understanding is needed about the use of dermoscopy in diagnosing superficial fungal infections in the hope of providing an overview of superficial fungal infections and dermoscopy, as well as dermoscopy features in some superficial fungal infections. This article describes dermoscopic findings in various superficial fungal infections on the skin, hair, and nails.

Potential of Essential Oil as Anti-Dandruff in Scalp Treatment Preparations

Most scalp problems in the community are dandruff. The most widely known microorganism that contributes to dandruff is Malassezia spp. The currently available treatment options for anti-dandruff are mostly synthetic substances. Unfortunately, these synthetic substances can cause various problems, such as side effects and drug resistance, especially the compliance of the patient. Herbal remedies that can be used to reduce the risks are essential oils. There are several essential oils that have been researched on anti-dandruff potential are Tea Tree, Lemongrass, Lavender, Rosemary, Eucalyptus, Coleus amboinicus, etc. The potential of essential oils as anti-dandruff ingredients in scalp remedies will be discussed in this article review. This article review was conducted using a comparative research method from a variety of sources, including online research journals and other sources. The outcome of this review article revealed that the previously mentioned essential oils have positive results in inhibiting the growth of the Malassezia sp., in its pure form, a combination of pure essential oils, or when in product form.

Protocol for evaluating the in vitro effect of violet light-emitting diodes (LEDs) 410 nm ± 10 nm on yeast cultures

BACKGROUND: Candida spp and Malassezia spp cause superficial infections that may be resistant to conventional treatments. Violet light-emitting diodes (LEDs) therapy is a therapeutic alternative. PURPOSE: To describe the protocol for evaluating the antifungal effect of violet LEDs 410 nm ± 10 nm on Candida spp and Malassezia spp in vitro. PROTOCOL: LEDs 410 nm ± 10 nm are applied to a fungal suspension at fluences of 61.13 J/cm2, 91.70 J/cm2, and 183.39 J/cm2. The isolates are cultured for 48 to 72 hours. Colony forming units (CFUs) are quantified by visual counting and percent culture plate occupancy by digital analysis. Morphology is assessed by light microscopy and Gram staining, and yeast metabolism/function by transmission electron microscopy, assessment of reactive oxygen species, and DNA fragmentation. DATA ANALYSIS: the percentage of LEDs inhibition is calculated considering the growth of the negative control condition and the percentage of plate occupancy by yeasts by dividing the number of pixels classified as colonies by the total number of pixels on the plate. The morphological and functional aspects are described for the intervention and negative control. The ANOVA test is used to compare the mean percentages of growth inhibition and plate occupancy between the three fluences of LEDs 410 nm ± 10 nm and the negative control. ESTIMATED RESULTS: We intend to determine the antifungal effect of the different fluences of LEDs 410 nm ± 10 nm on Candida spp and Malassezia spp. The evaluation of other fungal species by this protocol should be investigated.

Malassezia Folliculitis (MF) Patient Profile in Mycology Division of Dermatovenereology Outpatient Clinic General Academic Hospital Dr. Soetomo Surabaya Period of 2018-2020

Malassezia folliculitis (MF) is a chronic infection of pilosebaceous follicles caused by Malassezia spp. Clinical features of MF may include perifollicular papules and itchy erythematous pustules. This study evaluating the profile of MF patients in the period 2018-2020 in the Mycology Division of Dermatovenereology Outpatient Clinic of Dr. Soetomo General Academic Hospital Surabaya. Retrospective descriptive study aimed at evaluating MF patients including the number of cases, patient baseline data, history taking, physical examination, supporting examinations, and therapy. Based on the tabulation of data obtained 154 new MF patients. The majority of patients were aged 17-25, were females, were students. The most clinical characteristics were red nodules accompanied by moderate itching, the longest duration of complaints were <1 months, the most endogenous predisposing factors were hyperhidrosis and exogenous was humidity and high temperature, the most localized status was in the thoracalis posterior, the most dermatological status was erythematous papules, the supporting examinations carried out were KOH 20% and showed blastospores with the predominance grade 4+, the most Woods lamp examination revealed bright green yellow color, dermoscope examination showed erythema. Most systemic therapies was ketoconazole 2x200 mg and topical was ketoconazole shampoo 2%. There was an increase in the number of MF patients. The diagnosis of MF is based on anamnesis, physical examination and then matched with supporting examinations.

The Acari Hypothesis, III: Atopic Dermatitis.

Atopic dermatitis is a chronic relapsing dermatopathology involving IgE against allergenic materials present on mammalian epithelial surfaces. Allergens are as diverse as pet danders, and polypeptides expressed by microbes of the mammalian microbiome, e.g., Malassezia spp. The Acari Hypothesis posits that the mammalian innate immune system utilizes pathogen-bound acarian immune effectors to protect against the vectorial threat posed by mites and ticks. Per The Hypothesis, IgE-mediated allergic disease is a specious consequence of the pairing of acarian gastrointestinal materials, e.g., allergenic foodstuffs, with acarian innate immune effectors that have interspecies operability. In keeping with The Hypothesis, the IgE profile of atopic patients should include both anti-acarian antibodies and specious antibodies responsible for specific allergy. Further, the profile should inform on the diet and/or environment of the acarian vector. In this regard, the prevalence of Demodex and Dermatophagoides on the skin of persons suffering from atopic dermatitis is increased. Importantly, the diets of these mites correspond well with the allergens of affected patients. In this report, roles for these specific acarians in the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis are proposed and elaborated.

In Vitro Assessment of Azole and Amphotericin B Susceptibilities of Malassezia spp. Isolated from Healthy and Lesioned Skin.

Malassezia yeasts have recently gained medical importance as emerging pathogens associated with a wide range of dermatological and systemic infections. Since standardized methods for in vitro antifungal susceptibility testing have not yet been established for Malassezia spp., related diseases are always treated empirically. As a result, a high rate of recurrence and decreased antifungal susceptibility have appeared. Thus, the aims of the study were to assess and analyze the in vitro susceptibility of Malassezia isolated from pityriasis versicolor (PV) lesions and healthy controls. A total of 58 Malassezia strains isolated from PV patients and healthy controls were tested. In vitro antifungal susceptibility testing was conducted using the CLSI broth microdilution with some modifications. Candida spp. criteria established in accordance with CLSI guidelines were used for data interpretation. Ketoconazole and posaconazole seemed to be the most effective molecules against Malassezia species. However, considerable percentages of itraconazole, fluconazole, and amphotericin B ‘‘resistant’’ strains (27.6%, 29.3%, and 43.1%, respectively) were revealed in this study. Malassezia furfur, M. sympodialis, and M. globosa showed different susceptibility profiles to the drugs tested. These results emphasize the importance of accurately identifying and evaluating the antifungal susceptibility of Malassezia species in order to guide a specific and effective treatment regimen.

The Microbiome in Comedonal Contents of Inflammatory Acne Vulgaris is Composed of an Overgrowth of Cutibacterium Spp. and Other Cutaneous Microorganisms.

BackgroundAcne vulgaris (acne) and cutaneous resident microorganisms are considered to be closely related. However, the bacterial and fungal microbiota in the comedonal contents of inflammatory acne lesions have not yet been investigated in detail.PurposeTo clarify the relationship between cutaneous microorganisms and acne, we examined the microbiome in the comedonal contents of inflammatory acne and on the facial skin of patients with acne using 16s rRNA and ITS gene sequencing with a next-generation sequencer (NGS).Patients and MethodsTwenty-two untreated Japanese acne outpatients were examined. The comedonal contents of inflammatory acne lesions on the face were collected using a comedo extractor. Skin surface samples from facial skin were collected using the swab method.ResultsThe results obtained revealed that the predominant bacteria in the comedonal contents of inflammatory acne were Cutibacterium spp. (more prominent in areas with large amounts of sebum), while those on the skin surface were Staphylococcus spp. Malassezia spp., particularly Malassezia restricta, were the predominant fungi in both the comedonal contents of inflammatory acne and on the skin surface. The bacterial microbiome in comedonal contents exhibited stronger metabolic activity, including the production of enzymes related to acne, than that on the skin surface.ConclusionThese results indicate that acne is an inflammatory disease involving the overgrowth of Cutibacterium acnes and other cutaneous resident microorganisms, including Malassezia spp.

The first fungi: mode of delivery determines early life fungal colonization in the intestine of preterm infants

Aim: The role of intestinal fungi in human health and disease is becoming more evident. The mycobiota composition and diversity of preterm infants is affected by interactions with bacteria and clinical variables. In this study, we aimed to characterize the composition and the diversity of the preterm infant mycobiota and the effect of clinical variables on it in the first six postnatal weeks. Methods: Preterm infants (n = 50) and full-term infants (n = 6) admitted to Isala Women and Children’s hospital (Zwolle, The Netherlands) who were born during 24-36 or 37-40 weeks of gestation, respectively, were included in this study. Feces were collected during the first six postnatal weeks (n = 109) and their mycobiota composition and diversity were characterized by ITS2 amplicon sequencing. Results: Composition analyses identified fungi and other eukaryotic kingdoms, of which Viridiplantae was most abundant. Of the fungal kingdom, Ascomycota and Basidiomycota were the first and second most prominent phyla in early life of all infants. Candida was the most abundant genus in the first six weeks of life and increased with gestational and postnatal age. Fungal phylogenetic diversity remained stable in the first six postnatal weeks. The individuality and the mode of delivery were identified as significant predictors for the variation in the mycobiota composition. Vaginally delivered infants were enriched in Candida spp., whereas infants delivered through emergency C-section were characterized by Malassezia spp. Conclusion: These results indicate that fungi and other eukaryotic kingdoms are detected in the intestine of preterm and full-term infants in the first six postnatal weeks. Similar to the microbiota, colonization of the preterm intestine with fungi is determined by clinical variables including individuality and mode of delivery.