Biofilm, adherence, and hydrophobicity as virulence factors in Malassezia furfur
Malassezia species are natural inhabitants of the healthy skin. However, under certain
conditions, they may cause or exacerbate several skin diseases. The ability of this fungus
to colonize or infect is determined by complex interactions between the fungal cell and
its virulence factors. This study aims to evaluate “in vitro” the hydrophobicity levels,
the adherence on a plastic surface and the biofilm formation of 16 clinical isolates of
Malassezia furfur. Cellular surface hydrophobicity (CSH) levels were determined by twophase
system. The biofilm formation was determined by tetrazolium salt (XTT) reduction
assay and by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Results showed many isolates were
hydrophobic, adherent, and producers of biofilm on abiotic surfaces with different capacity.
SEM observations confirmed an abundant extracellular matrix after 48 h of biofilm
formation. About 63% of strains with high production of biofilm showed medium to high
percentage of hydrophobicity and/or adherence. In addition, it has been demonstrated a
correlation between hydrophobicity, adherence, and biofilm formation in about 60% of
strains examined. These important virulence factors could be responsible of this yeast
changing from a commensal to a pathogenic status.