The genus Malassezia: old facts and new concepts

Abstract

Lipophilic yeasts are being considered as major opportunistic pathogens for a very long time. Most of the yeasts show an absolute requirement for long fatty acid chains and specific procedures are required for their isolation, conservation and identification. For that reason, the history of the nomenclature used for the Malassezia genus is quite complex. Before 1996, only 3 species were recognized: Malassezia furfur, M. pachydermatis and M. sympodialis. To date, the genus is composed of one non lipid-dependent species (M. pachydermatis) and 12 lipid-dependent species. No doubt that additional new taxa will be described in close future. Very recently the genome and secretory proteome of two Malassezia species was described. This analysis demonstrated the presence of multiple secreted lipases to aid in harvesting host lipids. It also revealed the presence of mating-type genes, providing an indication that Malassezia yeasts may be capable of sex.