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Nottinham Trent University

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Avian Influenza
A study of the H5N1 virus
--general info and chapters
--introduction
--full document (pdf)

Superficial Dermatitis
Ringworm
Dermatophytosis
--general info
--research
--treatment
--references

Malassezia
Malassezia pachydermatis
--general info
--research
--treatment
--references

Mud Fever
D. congolensis
--general info
--barrier-cream
--research
--references
--treatment

MRSA in Pets
Methicillin Resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
--MRSA Research
--Pet-bedding
--Barrier-cream
--Newspaper clip
--Press Release
--Treatment
--Link
--Pricelist


Anti-microbial research applications
--gallery
--health benefits
--background info
--Press Release
--research
--link

TIK

Tick Identification Key

PIC

Parasite Image Collection

Equine cutaneous microflora
Normal resident bacteria
--general info
--research
--references

Equine gut microflora
probiotics
--general info
--research
--references

Malassezia dermatitis (Malasseziasis)

Malassezia pachydermatis (previously known as Pityrosporum canis) is a commensal lipophilic yeast normally found in low numbers in the majority of external ear canals on the canine species. It can also found peri-orally, peri-anally and in the moist condition of skin folds. This normal resident yeast can cause skin disease in cases where overgrowth of the organism has occurred, and/or where the host shows hypersensitivity towards the organism. Consequently, malasseziasis mainly occurs in predisposed individuals due to underlying factors. Examples of these are: breeds with excessive skin folds, atopy, antibiotic therapy and (food) allergies.
Malasseziasis is commonly found in dogs but relatively rare in cats. Malassezia has been isolated from the the human scalp and from the equine skin but with no clinical signs of infection. The yeast can be readily found in most non-clinical dogs.

Symptoms can include a moderate to intense pruritis and may be accompanied by alopecia, erythema amd seborrhea. Lichenification and hyperpigmentation may follow in chronic cases. Areas mainly affected are the skin folds, interdigital spaces, axilla and inguinal area. The yeast can be readily identified through microscopy (e.g. tape stripping, 1000x) but only high numbers of the typical budding yeast should be considered in diagnosis.

Apart from dealing with the underlying cause, most treatments include one of numerous medicated shampoos, that include an antifungal compound, such as miconazole, selenium sulphide and enilconazole. Alternatively, it can be treated with oral doses of ketoconazole. Special care needs to be taken with regard to feline contra-indications.

Mild cases may need only a form of topical treatment, however, reinfection may occur if the sources of yeast contamination oare not removed. Bedding, clothing and collars can easily carry high numbers of yeasts and will require washing or treating to prevent recontamination of the host.

For more information on Malassezia goto research