Molecular and phylogenetic characterization of Malassezia genus using RPB2 gene. Phylogenetic analysis of Malassezia genus

Malassezia genus has 18 described species, is part of the human skin mycobiota and is related to different systemic and dermatological pathologies. Therefore, it is an important clinical fungus and its study becomes relevant. The aim of this research was the phenotypic and molecular characterization of 34 strains catalogued as Malassezia sp. isolated from humans with different pathologies associated with Malassezia sp. Physiological tests such as tween assimilation were included. Molecular identification was performed by amplification and sequencing of the RPB2 gene that allowed the suitable identification of the isolates, mainly M. furfur with an atypical pattern of tween assimilation (20 of 34) and M. furfur with a normal pattern (6 of 34). Likewise, the susceptibility of the strains to 5 different compounds, Voriconazole, Posaconazole, Fluconazole, Amphotericin B and Caspofungin was evaluated by the commercial test Etest®. The best antifungal activity was found in the azole compounds. Finally, the phenotypic approaches must go hand in hand with molecular techniques for correct identification of closely related species of the genus Malassezia. The standardization of susceptibility assays techniques remains like a critical point in the study of this pathogen.