Molecular Characterisation and Epidemiological Profiling of Malassezia Species Associated with Healthy and Symptomatic Human Skin in Duhok Province, Iraq | ||
| Egyptian Journal of Medical Microbiology | ||
| Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 11 October 2025 | ||
| Document Type: New and original researches in the field of Microbiology. | ||
| DOI: 10.21608/ejmm.2025.425321.1882 | ||
| Authors | ||
| Nojeen D. Haji* 1; Samir K. Abdullah2 | ||
| 1Department of Biology, College of Science, University of Zakho, Zakho, Kurdistan region, Iraq | ||
| 2Department of Medical Laboratory Techniques, Alnoor University, Mosul, Iraq | ||
| Abstract | ||
| Background: Malassezia are dimorphic, lipophilic fungi that form a significant portion of the skin microbiome, although they are related with some dermatological diseases. Despite their clinical importance, limited regional data exist regarding their distribution and molecular characterisation in Iraq, particularly in the Kurdistan region. Objective: The study attempts to identify and characterise Malassezia species in affected and healthy individuals using both traditional culture-based and molecular techniques. Methodology: A sum of 282 type of samples were collected from 224 symptomatic patients and 58 healthy individuals. Samples underwent microscopic examination, cultured on Sabouraud Dextrose Agar (SDA) and Modified Dixon Agar (mDA), and biochemical identification via Tween assimilation and catalase tests. Molecular identification was conducted using PCR targeting the LSU (26S rDNA) region, followed by sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. Results: Five species were identified: M. globosa (42.2%), M. furfur (25%), M. pachydermatis (12.5%), M. slooffiae (10.9%), and M. sympodialis (9. 4%). Positive isolation was noted in 41.5% of symptomatic and 36.2% of healthy individuals. The highest prevalence was among individuals aged 21–45 years (59.6%), and seborrheic dermatitis was the most common condition (37.5%). The phylogenetic tree confirmed species-level resolution and confirmed taxonomic identity. Conclusion: M. globosa and M. furfur were the dominant species associated with skin disorders in the study population. Molecular identification using LSU-based PCR is a reliable and accurate method for species-level identification. | ||
| Keywords | ||
| atopic dermatitis; LSU gene; pityriasis versicolor; sebrohiec dermatitis | ||
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