Within infected tissues, this yeast produces several enzymes such as proteinase, phospholipase, hyaluronidase and chondroitin-sulphatase.[4] Proteinase and phospholipase are also released in infections involving Candida albicans and have been found to contribute to its virulence by inducing pores into host cell membranes, which eventually lead to their loss of function.[4] For this reason it has been suggested that these enzymes may also serve a function in the pathogenicity of M. pachydermatis.[4] However, pathogenicity in this species has yet to be associated with any specific genotypic and phenotypic traits.[5]
Malassezia pachydermatis in its pathogenic form can be found colonizing a variety of animals such as rhinoceroses,[2] sea lions,[12] black bears[3] and domesticated cats.[13] It is however most commonly associated with canine ear and skin infections.[7][9][10]