Prevalence of Malassezia species in patients with pityriasis versicolor in Rosario, Argentina

Abstract

a b s t r a c tBackground: Malassezia species are considered opportunistic yeasts of increasing clinical importance. These lipophilic yeasts are associated with various human diseases, especially pityriasis versicolor (PV), a chronic superficial scaling dermatomycosis. Aims: The aim of this study was to isolate, identify and analyze the distribution of the different species of Malassezia in patients with PV in Rosario city (Argentina). Methods: A total of 264 clinical samples were studied. Isolates were identified on the basis of microscopic observation of cells, and physiological properties, such as the presence of catalase, ability to use Tween compounds, splitting of esculin, and morphology, color and precipitate production on chromogenic agar CHROMagar-Malassezia medium (CHROMM). Results: The highest prevalence of PV in this study was observed in the 25-to 45-year-old group. No differences were found in the development of PV between sexes. The most affected areas of body were the trunk and face. Malassezia sympodialis (51%) was the most commonly isolated species, followed in frequency by M. globosa (40%), Malassezia furfur (7%), Malassezia obtusa (1%) and Malassezia slooffiae (1%). Conclusions: The success for a correct identification of these yeasts is important to improve our knowledge about their epidemiological role in PV and also to detect the appearance of strains which are resistant to the commonly used antifungal drugs.

Distribution of Malassezia species on the skin of patients with atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, and healthy volunteers assessed by conventional and molecular identification methods

“…For instance, studies of the Malassezia microbiota in healthy individuals consistently indicated M. globosa and M. restricta as the predominant species, with a combined detection rate of over 50% (in most of the studies) [7,31,32,34,35,49-51]. Whereas the involvement of the Malassezia species in SD and PV has been quite well recognized [35,50,52-58], the clinical role of these fungi in AD and PS is still controversial. The Malassezia yeasts are currently considered as contributory factors to the induction and exacerbation of both these conditions.…”

Malassezia Species and Pityriasis Versicolor

“…Bugün için PV tablosuna en sık neden olan tür olarak pek çok ça-lışmada M. globosa gösterilmektedir [8,9,[11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19]. Bununla birlikte sınırlı sayıdaki çalışmalarda, PV olgularından en sık izole edilen Malassezia türü olarak M. sympodialis rapor edilmişse de bu çalışmalarda da ikinci en sık izole edilen tür olarak M. globosa dikkati çekmektedir [20][21][22][23]. Tropikal ve subtropikal bölgelerden bildirilmiş bazı çalışmalarda ise M. furfur en sık PV etkeni olarak raporlanmıştır [24][25][26][27].…”

Molluscum Contagiosum, Viral Warts, and Tinea Versicolor

“…M. globosa and M. restricta together accounted for more than 70 % of Malassezia species recovered [ 52 ]. In an Argentinian population, M. sympodialis and M. globosa were the most commonly isolated species [ 53 ]. Tinea versicolor occurs worldwide and more frequently in tropical areas.…”