Phylogenetic relationships ofMalasseziaspecies based on multilocus sequence analysis

Abstract

Members of the genus Malassezia are lipophilic basidiomycetous yeasts, which are part of the normal cutaneous microbiota of humans and other warm-blooded animals. Currently, this genus consists of 14 species that have been characterized by phenetic and molecular methods. Although several molecular methods have been used to identify and/or differentiate Malassezia species, the sequencing of the rRNA genes and the chitin synthase-2 gene (CHS2) are the most widely employed. There is little information about the β-tubulin gene in the genus Malassezia, a gene has been used for the analysis of complex species groups. The aim of the present study was to sequence a fragment of the β-tubulin gene of Malassezia species and analyze their phylogenetic relationship using a multilocus sequence approach based on two rRNA genes (ITS including 5.8S rRNA and D1/D2 region of 26S rRNA) together with two protein encoding genes (CHS2 and β-tubulin). The phylogenetic study of the partial β-tubulin gene sequences indicated that this molecular marker can be used to assess diversity and identify new species. The multilocus sequence analysis of the four loci provides robust support to delineate species at the terminal nodes and could help to estimate divergence times for the origin and diversification of Malassezia species.

Characterization of the species Malassezia pachydermatis and re-evaluation of its lipid dependence using a synthetic agar medium

“…DNA was stored at -20°C until used as a template for PCR. Internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region (including the genes ITS1, 5.8S rRNA and ITS2), large subunit of the ribosomal RNA (LSU rRNA) region, chitin synthase 2 (CHS2) and beta-tubulin genes were amplified and sequenced, using the primers and the protocols described previously [17]. Sequences of the four genes of the remaining strains had been characterized previously [18].…”

Performance of Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization–Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry for Identifying Clinical Malassezia Isolates

“…A microscopic morphology examination after staining with methylene blue allowed genus identification. In parallel, all strains were identified to the species level by sequencing (GATC Biotech, Germany) of the internal transcribed spacer (using primers ITS1 and ITS4) of the ribosomal DNA and comparison of the sequences obtained to those in the GenBank (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/GenBank) and CBS (http://www.cbs.knaw.nl) databases (2, 6). The following identification criteria were used: a sequence length between 500 and 700 bp, with an E value of 0 (GenBank), a minimum overlap of 99% (CBS), and an identification concordance higher than 99%.…”

“…The taxonomy of this genus has evolved since then, and it now contains 14 distinct species (2), among which 10 are commensals of the human skin: Malassezia furfur , M. pachydermatis, M.…”

“…Microscopic examination of clinical samples and colonies shows that small ovoid, ellipsoidal, or cylindrical blastoconidia (1.1 to 2.5 μm by 1.7 to 2.7 μm) with a large-base bud are characteristic of the genus Malassezia (2). Classical species identification comprises both biochemical and morphological studies, but this is rarely done due to the difficulty of interpreting lipophilic tests and the morphological closeness of the different species (16–18).…”

Differential Expression of Extracellular Lipase and Protease Activities of Mycelial and Yeast Forms in Malassezia furfur

“…[4]. The dimorphism of Malassezia species has been known by the observation of both yeast and mycelial forms in the affected sites of pityriasis versicolor.…”