Modulation of calcium-induced clot formation of human plasma by Malasseziafurfur

The effect of Malassezia furfur on clot formation by human plasma was exami ned. The clotting time in the presence of M. furfur or Candida albicans was :measured. M. furfur shortened the clotting time of calcium-induced clots b y human plasma in a concentration-dependent manner. However, the protein co ntent of the clots formed were not significantly different between the M. f urfur-treated and the control group. The clotting time of clots triggered b y thrombin or by placing plasma in:glass tubes, which artificially activate the blood coagulation systems, were not affected by treatment with hi. fur fur. Moreover, acetone-treated M. furfur also shortens the calcium-induced clot formation time, while treatment with zymolyase, which causes decomposi tion of beta-glucan, did not shorten it. These results suggest that M. furfur activates the blood coagulation system s, and the beta-glucan portion of M. furfur plays a key role in shortening calcium-induced clot formation time.