Medium-chain triglycerides inhibit growth of Malassezia: implications for prevention of systemic infection.
OBJECTIVE
Lipophilic Malassezia species may induce catheter-associated sepsis in newborns and immunocompromised patients receiving parenteral lipids. Therefore, we tested whether M. furfur and six other Malassezia species can use commercially available infusions as a lipid source.


METHODS
Prospective in vitro study.


METHODS
Research laboratory in a university hospital.


METHODS
None.


RESULTS
With the exception of M. restricta, all Malassezia species grow on lipid infusions. There are no substantial differences among the different brands. The most rapid growth is shown by M. furfur, which grows better on agar containing a 20% rather than a 10% lipid infusion. Growth of M. furdur and M. sympodialis can be reduced by infusions containing medium-chain triglycerides. Incubated in triglycerides, M. furfur is strongly suppressed by 50% medium-chain triglycerides and M. sympodialis by 8% medium-chain triglycerides. When medium-chain free fatty acids are added to triglycerides, both species can be suppressed by about 1% free fatty acids.


CONCLUSIONS
Medium-chain triglycerides and medium-chain free fatty acids are toxic for Malassezia species. Commercially available infusions containing medium-chain triglycerides might be used to prevent systemic Malassezia infections.
Papavassilis
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Department of Dermatology and Andrology, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany. charis.papavassilis@derma.med.uni-giessen.de
Mach
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Mayser
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D002404:Catheterization / Q000009:adverse effects*; D002851:Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; D015169:Colony Count, Microbial; D005217:Fat Emulsions, Intravenous / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology*; D016469:Fungemia / Q000382:microbiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D016867:Immunocompromised Host; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008290:Malassezia / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000254:growth & development*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D014280:Triglycerides / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology*
D005217:Fat Emulsions, Intravenous; D014280:Triglycerides