Factors associated with the presence of malassezia spp. In dogs with atopic dermatitis in quito, Ecuador

Yeasts of the genus Malassezia are commonly isolated from different areas of the body in dogs diagnosed with atopic dermatitis. The proliferation of these yeasts may trigger clinically relevant hypersensitivity responses in patients with CAD. There are also reports that there is some association with certain body areas and predisposing factors such as gender, race, or age, among others. The objective is evaluate the factors associated with the presence of Malassezia spp. yeasts in dogs with atopic dermatitis in Quito, Ecuador. A total of 800 patients who attended a dermatological clinic at Veterinary Care Centers in Quito were evaluated, among whom 10% (80 dogs) were diagnosed with CAD. Epidemiological data were collected and cytological samples comprising ear culture swabs, imprints, or Scotch tape samples from different areas of the body, were taken. Each sample was stained and analyzed under the microscope. The 86.2% of dogs with CAD presented Malassezia spp. Dogs aged less than two years (32/80) had an association with the presence of Malassezia (Chi-square = 35.83, P = 0.0001), as did dogs from Quito (52/80), (Chi-square = 41.02, P = 0.0001). Both ears, right (32/80) and left (35/80), showed association with a severe or stern load of Malassezia spp. Age and residence in the Quito area are factors associated with the presence of CAD. Ears are areas that are severely affected by Malassezia spp.