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Updated: Aug 11, 2026
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Infecting Mice with Malassezia spp. to Study the Fungus-Host Interaction
Published on: November 6, 2019
Malassezia yeasts and pityriasis versicolor
Vicente Crespo-Erchiga1, Vicente Delgado Florencio
1Department of Dermatology, Carlos Haya University Hospital, Plaza del Hospital Civil s/n, 29009 Málaga, Spain. Vicente.Crespo.sspa@juntadeandalucia.es
Current Opinion in Infectious Diseases
|March 4, 2006
Summary
Malassezia globosa is the primary fungus identified in pityriasis versicolor lesions, particularly in temperate regions. Recent studies confirm its pathogenic role, aiding in understanding the fungal transformation and guiding treatment strategies.
Area of Science:
- Medical Mycology
- Dermatology
- Fungal Pathogenesis
Background:
- Pityriasis versicolor is a human fungal infection with an established, yet debated, etiologic agent.
- The taxonomic revision of the Malassezia genus since 1996 necessitates re-evaluation of implicated species.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the relationships between Malassezia species and pityriasis versicolor.
- To review recent findings on the etiologic role of Malassezia species in pityriasis versicolor.
Main Methods:
- Review of published literature and congress presentations since 1996.
- Analysis of authors' recent study on Malassezia species in pityriasis versicolor over 16 months.
- Direct microscopy for identification of yeast cells and pseudohyphae.
Main Results:
- Malassezia globosa is the predominant species in pityriasis versicolor lesions, especially in temperate climates.
- Authors' recent findings corroborate M. globosa as the main species.
- Direct microscopy confirms M. globosa in nearly 100% of cases, showing globose yeast cells and pseudohyphae.
Conclusions:
- Malassezia globosa is confirmed as the primary etiologic agent of pityriasis versicolor.
- Understanding M. globosa's pathogenic role can elucidate the transition from saprophytic to parasitic forms.
- This confirmation aids in selecting optimal therapeutic interventions for pityriasis versicolor.
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