Comparison of different methods of maintenance of Malassezia pachydermatis (s. Pityrosporum pachydermatis) strains.

The maintenance of Malassezia pachydermatis isolated from canine otitis and dermatitis was compared on Sabouraud Dextrose Agar slants under liquid paraffin, an broth and in water, and by paper replica method, silica gel method, freeze-drying and deep freezing at-80 degrees C. Hydrolase production before and after storage was determined with API-ZYM Bio-Merieux kits. Deep freezing and freeze-drying were the best methods of maintaining M. pachydermatis. Hydrolase production was stable throughout the maintenance period.