Malassezia globosa tends to grow actively in summer conditions more than other cutaneous Malassezia species

Abstract

Malassezia globosa is a major pathogen of Malassezia folliculitis (MF) and the predominant species on human skin. The aim of this study was to clarify the differences between M. globosa and other cutaneous Malassezia species, M. restricta, M. dermatis, M. sympodialis and M. furfur. The optimum growth temperature, effects of compounds of sweat and free fatty acids on growth, and lipase activities of five cutaneous Malassezia species were determined. The growth of M. globosa was promoted strongly by the compounds of sweat and high temperature unlike that of other cutaneous Malassezia species. This result clarified that M. globosa tended to grow actively in summer conditions more than other cutaneous Malassezia species. Furthermore, M. globosa showed high lipase activity. We consider these characteristics of M. globosa to relate to the pathogenesis of MF.

Fungal protein MGL_1304 in sweat is an allergen for atopic dermatitis patients

“…Among them, M globosa tends to grow rapidly at higher temperature (378C), higher concentration of sodium chloride, and lactic acid in vitro. 35 In fact, it is a major pathogen of Malassezia folliculitis occurring in summer. Therefore, it may grow better than other Malassezia species in areas with sweat.…”

Microorganisms inhabiting follicular contents of facial acne are not only Propionibacterium but also Malassezia spp.

“…Malassezia spp. shows strong lipase activity, more than 100 times that of P. acnes per cell . Lipases split sebum triglycerides into glycerol and free fatty acids.…”

“…shows strong lipase activity, more than 100 times that of P. acnes per cell. 13 Lipases split sebum triglycerides into glycerol and free fatty acids. Free fatty acids lead to the influx of polymorphonuclear neutrophils by chemotaxis, 14 and participate in abnormal ductal keratinization in acne.…”

Malassezia Infections in Humans and Animals: Pathophysiology, Detection, and Treatment

“…1 ); (c) inflammation without generation of antibody-mediated immunity (seborrheic dermatitis and dandruff); (d) induction of specific immunity (atopic dermatitis); and (e) invasion and inflammation of the hair follicle ( Malassezia folliculitis). Interestingly, the high lipase activity of M. globosa from folliculitis specimens during the summer months may be promoted by sweat components [12] , such as sodium chloride and lactic acid, thus laying a framework for examining potential metabolome, structure and function relationships between M. globosa lipases and the human skin. In seborrheic dermatitis and dandruff, there is a difference in the quality of sebum lipids between healthy and diseased skin [13] , while the expression and function of Malassezia lipases in addition to barrier function defects and individual susceptibility take part in the exacerbation of these conditions [14] , [15] .…”