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Published on: November 6, 2019
Molecular analysis of Malassezia species isolated from Israeli patients with pityriasis versicolor
Anna Lyakhovitsky1, Avner Shemer, Boaz Amichai
1Department of Dermatology, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Israel.
Background:
Pityriasis versicolor (PV) is a common superficial fungal infection of the skin caused by Malassezia species. The clinical significance of each of these species is not fully understood. M. furfur has long been identified as the causative agent of PV. Several recent studies suggest that M. globosa is most frequently associated with PV.
Objectives:
The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence of Malassezia species in affected and unaffected skin in Israeli patients with PV using a polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based culture-independent method.
Methods:
Samples were taken from affected skin of 75 patients with PV (35 females and 40 males, age range 18-65 years) who visited our outpatient clinic and from unaffected skin in 26 patients for direct microscopy and detection of Malassezia species using a PCR-based method.
Results:
The major Malassezia species in PV was M. globosa, found in 97.3% (73 of 75) of samples from affected skin and 80.8% (21 of 26) samples of unaffected skin. M. restricta was associated with M. globosa in 1.3% (one of 75) of patients. No cases of M. furfur were detected in this study. There was no difference in the distribution of Malassezia species between affected and unaffected skin.
Conclusion:
Based on the PCR test, we have shown that M. globosa is probably most frequently associated with PV.
Insights
Malassezia globosa is the primary cause of pityriasis versicolor (PV) in Israeli patients, identified in over 97% of affected skin samples. This study utilized polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to analyze fungal species in both affected and unaffected skin.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Pityriasis versicolor (PV) is a common superficial skin fungal infection caused by Malassezia species.
- While Malassezia furfur was historically implicated, recent research suggests Malassezia globosa is more prevalent.
- The precise clinical significance of individual Malassezia species in PV remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of Malassezia species in pityriasis versicolor (PV) patients.
- To compare Malassezia species distribution in affected versus unaffected skin in Israeli patients.
- To employ a polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based, culture-independent method for species identification.
Main Methods:
- Collected skin samples from 75 patients diagnosed with pityriasis versicolor.
- Obtained samples from unaffected skin of 26 PV patients for comparison.
- Utilized direct microscopy and a PCR-based method for Malassezia species detection.
Main Results:
- Malassezia globosa was the predominant species, detected in 97.3% of affected skin samples.
- M. globosa was also found in 80.8% of unaffected skin samples, indicating no significant difference in distribution.
- Malassezia furfur was not detected; M. restricta was found in one patient alongside M. globosa.
Conclusions:
- Malassezia globosa is strongly associated with pityriasis versicolor in the studied Israeli population.
- The PCR-based method confirmed M. globosa as the most frequent Malassezia species implicated in PV.
- Findings suggest M. globosa plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of pityriasis versicolor.
