PHOSPHOLIPASE-ACTIVITY IN MALASSEZIA-FURFUR PATHOGENIC STRAINS

The lipophilic dimorphic yeast Malassezia furfur is a common skin comm ensal and the aetiological agent of pityriasis versicolor. A source of lipids is essential for its growth, and there are already demonstrati ons of in vitro lipase and lipoxygenase production. In eight wild stra ins, isolated from patients with pityriasis versicolor, we showed a ph ospholipase activity using a medium containing egg yolk emulsion as th e only source of lipids; in this medium M. furfur grows and produces a phospholipase zone. Adding manganese sulphate, an unspecific inhibito r of phospholipase activity, M. furfur does not grow, because the lipo philic fungus cannot utilize the egg yolk as a source of fatty acids. Adding Tween 60 to the same medium, M. furfur also grows in presence o f manganese sulphate.