[Genetic polymorphism of Malassezia spp. yeast isolates from individuals with and without dermatological lesions].

INTRODUCTION

Malassezia spp. yeasts are opportunistic and newly emergent diseases. One or more species have been isolated in association with dermatological pathology and systemic disease. Their pathological role has not been fully elucidated since Malassezia spp. are common in normal skin flora.

OBJECTIVE

In the current study, a search was undertaken for genetic markers in the Malassezia spp. isolates that correlate with each type of dermatologic lesion.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

A total of 103 strains of Malassezia spp were isolated from patients with pytiriasis versicolor, seborrheic dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis HIV (+), and atopic dermatitis, as well as from healthy individuals. Eight isolates from CBS Centraalbureau voor Schimmelcultures (Netherlands) were used as controls. Fingerprinting was done using random amplification of polymorphic DNA technique (RAPD) with three primers (OPA2, OPA4, OPA13). The data were analyzed with Diversity Database and SYN-TAX-PC programs.

RESULTS

Intraspecies genetic heterogeneity in M. furfur, M. globosa, M. restricta, M. slooffiae, M. obtusa was observed, whereas M. sympodialis showed the greatest homogeneity.

CONCLUSION

The dermatological disease caused by these different species was not associated with distinctive RAPD fingerprints.