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

IF 1.9 Q4 MICROBIOLOGY

Iranian Journal of Microbiology Pub Date : 2026-08-01 DOI:10.18502/ijm.v18i4.22203

Nima Niaee Barmachi, Mansour Bayat, Nakisa Sohrabi Haghdoost, Batool Ghorbaniyekta, Leila Eini Farahani

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引用次数: 0

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 correlation 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 higher enzymatic activity, supporting their role in pathogenic potential.

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伊朗北部伴生动物马拉色菌分离株毒力相关酶的表型和分子特征

背景和目的：马拉色菌属是一种脂质依赖性酵母菌，定植于人类和动物的皮肤上，可作为条件致病菌。本研究旨在鉴定伊朗北部马拉色菌分离自同伴动物的毒力相关酶及其编码基因。材料与方法：收集300只患有皮肤病或耳部病变的犬、猫临床标本。采用ITS-based PCR进行物种鉴定。采用多重PCR检测LIP、PLB和KER基因。酶活性用Pz指数评价。统计学分析采用卡方检验和Spearman相关检验（p < 0.05）。结果：分离出厚皮马拉色菌80株（87.5%）和娜娜马拉色菌（12.5%）。LIP、PLB和KER基因检出率分别为90%、62.5%和50%。41.2%的菌株酶活性较强（Pz≤0.69）。在PLB基因的存在和磷脂酶活性之间发现了显著的关联。结论：厚皮马拉色菌为优势菌种。毒力相关基因与较高的酶活性相关，支持它们在致病潜力中的作用。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

Iranian Journal of Microbiology MICROBIOLOGY-

CiteScore

2.40

自引率

7.10%

发文量

审稿时长

12 weeks

期刊介绍： The Iranian Journal of Microbiology (IJM) is an international, multi-disciplinary, peer-reviewed journal that provides rapid publication of the most advanced scientific research in the areas of basic and applied research on bacteria and other micro-organisms, including bacteria, viruses, yeasts, fungi, microalgae, and protozoa concerning the development of tools for diagnosis and disease control, epidemiology, antimicrobial agents, clinical microbiology, immunology, Genetics, Genomics and Molecular Biology. Contributions may be in the form of original research papers, review articles, short communications, case reports, technical reports, and letters to the Editor. Research findings must be novel and the original data must be available for review by the Editors, if necessary. Studies that are preliminary, of weak originality or merely descriptive as well as negative results are not appropriate for the journal. Papers considered for publication must be unpublished work (except in an abstract form) that is not under consideration for publication anywhere else, and all co-authors should have agreed to the submission. Manuscripts should be written in English.