[Viability of Malassezia pachydermatis strains maintained in various storage mediums].

The maintenance of Malassezia pachydermatis in fungal collections is very important for retrospective and prospective studies. The aim of this study was to evaluate the behavior of Malassezia pachydermatis in different storage methods. After the identification process, M. pachydermatis strains were stored for six and nine months, in saline and saline plus mineral oil at 28 degrees C, as well as in Dixon's agar, Dixon's agar plus glycerol and Dixon's agar plus dimethyl-sulfoxide (DMSO), at -20 degrees C. Dixon's agar and Dixon's agar plus glycerol were the most adequate methods (p < 0.05) for the maintenance of Malassezia pachydermatis viability, after six and nine months of storage. All the methods used were capable of maintaining the urease activity at six months of storage, but only Dixon's agar and Dixon's agar plus glycerol were statistically adequate at nine months (p < 0.05). Thus, to assure Malassezia pachydermatis recovery and to maintain its characteristics, Dixon's agar or Dixon's agar plus glycerol should be used.