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Three lipid-dependent Malassezia isolates (here named 114A, 114B and 114C) recovered from a dog with skin lesions were phenotypically and genotypically characterized. All presented ovoid cells and buds formed on a narrow base. Most of the results from physiological tests were consistent with those of Malassezia furfur. The phylogenetic analysis of ITS-1 and LSU nucleotide sequences was concordant in placing all three clinical Malassezia isolates close to M. furfur. However, the phylogenetic data on the chs-2 sequence revealed that clinical isolate 114A is distinct from M. furfur and was closely affiliated to the sequence of M. pachydermatis with high nodal support. In particular, lipid-dependent isolates 114A displayed chs-2 sequences similar (100%) to that of the non-lipid dependent species Malassezia pachydermatis. The presence of the genetic and physiological polymorphisms detected in these three isolates of M. furfur could have resulted from a process of adaptation of this anthropophilic species to a new host. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While dermatophytoses of several animal species have been extensively investigated, information on their occurrence and epidemiology in rabbits is limited. We carried out a study from October 2006 to February 2007 of 23 rabbit farms in Apulia and Basilicata regions (southern Italy) in order to investigate the occurrence and risk factors associated with dermatophytoses in breeding rabbits. Dermatophytes were isolated from 86.9% (20/23) of the farms and from 51.8% (420/810) of the animals sampled. Trichophyton mentagrophytes (47.9%) and Microsporum canis (3.2%) were isolated from diseased (71.7%) and healthy (48.4%) animals as well from the surrounding environment (7.5%). The occurrence of lesions, the age of rabbits, and farm management (e.g., temperature, humidity and methods and frequency of disinfection practices) were identified as the most significant risk factors ( P < 0.05) for the occurrence of dermatophytes. Animals in fattening and finishing stages were the most frequently infected (i.e., 58.2 and 61.6% respectively). Dermatophyte prevalence was significantly ( P < 0.05) higher in areas with higher temperature (>20°C) and relative humidity ranging from 62-65%. The results of the present investigation suggest that zoonotic dermathophytes are present in rabbit farms and highlight the importance of correct management procedures for the control of the infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Malassezia spp. may act as opportunistic skin pathogens in humans and animals. Malassezia pachydermatis proliferation and phospholipase production may play a pathogenic role in the occurrence of skin lesions in dogs. This study investigates the presence of μ-opioid receptor (MOR) in M. pachydermatis strains isolated from healthy dogs and dogs with skin lesions and its effects on phospholipase activity (p.a.). P.a. of 64 M. pachydermatis isolates was evaluated using different concentrations of naloxone (Nx), a MOR antagonist. Isolates were divided into Group A (i.e., 40 isolates from 26 dogs with dermatitis) and Group B (i.e., 24 isolates from 12 healthy dogs). The MOR expression was analyzed by Western blot and immunofluorescence. A statistically higher p.a. than that of the controls was found with isolates in Group A at a Nx concentration of 10−6 M ( P<0.05). No isolate in Group B displayed p.a. in either control samples or in the presence of any Nx concentration. Immunoblotting revealed two positive MOR immunoreactive bands of approximately 65 and 98 kDa. MOR expression and localization was also demonstrated by immunofluorescence in isolates from Groups A and B. This study provides the first evidence of MOR expression on M. pachydermatis cell membranes pointing to its possible role in modulating p.a. production in isolates from dogs with skin lesions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the last decades, reports on yeast infections in humans have increased especially with respect to immunocompromised individuals. Phospholipases are enzymes which may be associated with pathogenic processes caused by opportunistic yeasts. Phospholipase activity (ph.a.) was investigated in 163 isolates of 13 species of yeasts. A total of 133 isolates were obtained through the screening of a total of 768 cloacae of wild birds (Group I: 182 birds of prey; Group II: 165 passeriformes and Group III: 421 other wild migratory birds), while 30 isolates were recovered from the droppings of birds housed in 32 distinct aviaries (Group IV). Phospholipase production was evaluated and quantified at 2 and 5 day pre-incubation (Pr.t) and incubation times (I.t). Isolates from cloacae (48.1%) and excreta (73.3%) produced ph.a. with the highest values registered after 5 days of I.t. Candida albicans, C. tropicalis, C. glabrata, C. lusitaniae, C. pelliculosa, Cryptococcus albidus, C. laurentii, Trichosporon beigelii, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae displayed the highest ph.a. after 2 days of Pr.t while Candida famata, C. guilliermondii and Cryptococcus neoformans after 5 days of Pr.t. Ph.a. was never found in Rhodotorula rubra isolates recovered from the cloacae of wild birds. Isolates (73.3%) from bird droppings showed a higher ph.a. than those from cloacae thus indicating that wild birds not only act as carriers but may also spread phospholipase-producing yeasts in the environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Malassezia spp. are lipophilic yeasts that are part of the normal cutaneous microflora and sometimes act as pathogens causing dermatitis. This study investigated the interactions occurring between β-endorphin and phospholipase activity in isolates of M. pachydermatis in dogs presenting cutaneous lesions. Phospholipase production was evaluated and quantified on 144 isolates suspended in Dixon broth to which different β-endorphin concentrations (from 600 to 0.6 pM) were added. The isolates were divided into three groups: group A comprised isolates from lesional skin of dogs with dermatitis confined to one site, group B consisted of isolates from the healthy skin of the same dogs with localized lesions, and group C was made up of isolates from assorted skin sites of healthy dogs. A statistically higher phospholipase activity than that of the controls was recorded in group B at all tested β-endorphin concentrations. In groups A (Pz=0.62) and C (Pz=0.62) phospholipase activity was statistically higher than the controls only at a concentration of 600 pM. This study suggests that β-endorphin plays an important role in the production of phospholipase in M. pachydermatis isolates and provides evidence that β-endorphin concentrations affect the number but not the Pz value of phospholipase-producing isolates. B-endorphin concentrations may play a relevant role in inducing M. pachydermatis cell differentiation towards the production or non-production of phospholipase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the last 20 years, cases of human cryptococcosis, have increased in immunocompromised patients. In several instances, the cases have been associated with the exposure of the patients to bird droppings. In order to investigate birds of prey as potential carriers and spreaders of Cryptococcus neoformans and other yeasts of importance in human infections, 182 swab samples were collected from the cloacae of several species of birds of prey (Group I) and 32 faecal samples from aviaries in which the birds were housed (Group II). Samples were also taken from digestive tract of 60 dead birds (Group III). A total of 454 samples were cultured from which 215 colonies of yeastlike fungi were recovered and identified. Cryptococcus neoformans var. grubii was isolated from three cloacae samples (4.8%) collected from Falco tinnunculus and from one sample (3.1%) obtained from Buteo buteo , as well as from samples collected at the aviaries in which these birds were kept. Overall, 18 samples (9.9%) from Group I, 13 (40.6%) from Group II, 12 crops (20%), three proventriculi (5%) and 12 cloacae (20%) from Group III yielded positive cultures for yeasts. The results indicate that birds of prey and in particular, F. tinnunculus and B. buteo , may act as carriers and spreaders of C. neoformans and other zoonotic yeasts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Canine leishmaniasis (CanL), caused by Leishmania infantum, is widely distributed in many Mediterranean countries and is considered endemic in southern and central Italy with prevalence reaching up to 48.4%. Determination of the incidence would be useful as a measure of the risk of infection, then to evaluate the usefulness of control measures and to estimate whether a new focus is autochthonous or imported. This study was performed on two sites in the Apulia region of southern Italy, namely sites A and B. A total of 262 dogs were included in the evaluation of incidence, 94 farm dogs from site A and 168 dogs (92 farm and 76 kennel dogs) from site B. The incidence of infection was determined by using two different approaches: in site A by means of incidence density rate (IDR); in site B by the yearly seroconversion rate. In site A, the IDR was calculated at 4.25% dog-years; in site B the yearly incidence rate was of 9.52% (6.5% and 13.1% in farm and kennel dogs, respectively). The strength and weakness of the two different approaches (i.e. annual monitoring or monthly interval monitoring) for calculating the incidence of CanL in an endemic area have been discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract This case reports the efficacy of metaflumizone plus amitraz spot-on formulation (ProMeris Duo®; Fort Dodge) against generalized demodectic mange. A two year-old male dog presented at clinical examination with poor general condition, diffused alopecia, crusted lesions, pruritus, skin scales and pustules. Demodex mites, Malassezia pachydermatis yeasts and bacteria were diagnosed. The dog was treated with cephalexin and topically with metaflumizone plus amitraz spot on formulation at two weeks intervals until two consecutive skin scrapings resulted negative for mites. The number of adult mites statistically decreased at follow-up with a reduction of approximately 42 and 94% at +14 and +28 days post treatment (p.t.) respectively. Nymphs and larvae could not be detected from +28 day p.t. while eggs were no longer present +42 day p.t. The dog was negative for both bacteria and M. pachydermatis at 14 days p.t., coinciding with improved general clinical conditions, recovering skin lesions and no further signs of pruritus. These results show that metaflumizone plus amitraz associated with the antibiotic therapy is highly effective for treating generalized demodectic mange and could also be effective toward controlling M. pachydermatis opportunistic infections.