Studies on Malassezia Infection in Otitis External of Dogs

The present study was aimed to investigate the prevalence of Malassezia in common ear affections of dogs. A total of 115 dogs with ear affections were evaluated between March 2014 and May 2015. Otoscopic examination and microbiological isolation was done for diagnosis. Case prevalence of Malassezia infection in otitis externa was 19.1%. Relatively higher proportion of Malassezia was found in males 68.2% (n=15) as compared to females 31.8% (n =7). The yeast was more prevalent in adult dogs (1-3 years old). Labrador, Beagle and Cocker Spanial were breeds more commonly predisposed to otitis externa. The prevalence was relatively higher in rainy season (July-August) 63.6% (n=14) followed by summer (April-June) 18.2% (n=4), winter (December-March) 13.6% (n=3) and autumn (September-November) 4.6% (n=1). Head shaking, frequent itching and malodour were the common presenting signs. It can be concluded that Malassezia infection is quite common in otitis externa, and can be diagnosed using otoscopy and microbiological isolation.