Original Article

Phenotypic and molecular characterization of virulence-associated enzymes in Malassezia spp. isolated from companion animals in northern Iran

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Malassezia spp. are lipid-dependent yeasts that colonize the skin of humans and animals and may act as opportunistic pathogens. This study aimed to characterize virulence-associated enzymes and their encoding genes in Malassezia spp. isolated from companion animals in northern Iran.
Materials and Methods: A total of 300 clinical samples were collected from dogs and cats with dermatological or otic lesions. Species identification was performed using ITS-based PCR. Multiplex PCR was used to detect LIP, PLB, and KER genes. Enzymatic activity was evaluated using the Pz index. Statistical analyses included Chi-square and Spearman’s correlation tests (p < 0.05).
Results: Eighty isolates were identified as Malassezia pachydermatis (87.5%) and Malassezia nana (12.5%). LIP, PLB, and KER genes were detected in 90%, 62.5%, and 50% of isolates, respectively. Strong enzymatic activity (Pz ≤ 0.69) was observed in 41.2% of isolates. A significant association was found between the presence of the PLB gene and phospholipase activity.
Conclusion: Malassezia pachydermatis was the predominant species. Virulence-associated genes were associated with higher enzymatic activity, supporting their role in pathogenic potential.

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IssueVol 18 No 4 (2026) QRcode
SectionOriginal Article(s)
Keywords
Malassezia pachydermatis Malassezia nana Virulence factors Lipase Phospholipase Keratinase
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How to Cite
1.
Niaee Barmachi N, Bayat M, Sohrabi Haghdoost N, Ghorbaniyekta B, Eini Farahani L. Phenotypic and molecular characterization of virulence-associated enzymes in Malassezia spp. isolated from companion animals in northern Iran. Iran J Microbiol. 2026;18(4):607-614.