Malassezia pachydermatis: a review

Malassezia pachydermatis is of importance in both veterinary and human medi cine. Its taxonomic status and physiological characteristics are now better understood. Skin disease associated with this lipophilic yeast is now comm only recognized, especially in dogs. However, further studies are required to elucidate the mechanisms which allow this yeast to proliferate and induc e disease. Skin colonization is common in pet carnivores which consequently constitute a source of M. pachydermatis for susceptible humans. In the fut ure, the development of efficient typing systems should allow better unders tanding of the transmission mechanisms.