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Clinical and epidemiological features of the genus Malassezia in Iran

Elham Zeinali1, Golnar Sadeghi1, Fahimeh Yazdinia1

  • 1Department of Medical Mycology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran.

Iranian Journal of Microbiology
|April 8, 2015
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

This study investigated Malassezia yeasts causing pityriasis versicolor (PV) in Iran. Malassezia pachydermatis is emerging as a significant cause of PV, impacting disease management.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Mycology
  • Dermatology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • The genus Malassezia comprises lipophilic yeasts implicated in superficial fungal infections.
  • Pityriasis versicolor (PV) is the most common Malassezia-related infection globally.
  • This study focuses on the clinical and epidemiological aspects of Malassezia yeasts, particularly in relation to PV in Iran.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze the clinical and epidemiological features of Malassezia yeasts.
  • To identify the prevalence and distribution of Malassezia species causing pityriasis versicolor in Iran.
  • To highlight the emerging role of specific Malassezia species in PV etiology.

Main Methods:

  • Collected skin scrapings from 68 confirmed pityriasis versicolor cases between June 2012 and April 2013.
  • Cultured yeast isolates on modified Dixon agar at 32°C for 10 days.
  • Identified yeast species using morphological characteristics, catalase tests, and differential utilization of Tween compounds and esculin.

Main Results:

  • Yeast colonies were obtained from 55 (80.9%) of the 68 skin scrapings.
  • The identified Malassezia species were Malassezia globosa (36.36%), Malassezia pachydermatis (29.08%), Malassezia furfur (23.65%), Malassezia slooffiae (7.28%), and Malassezia obtusa (3.64%).
  • Malassezia pachydermatis showed a notable increase in prevalence.

Conclusions:

  • The findings underscore the clinico-epidemiological significance of the genus Malassezia.
  • Malassezia pachydermatis is increasingly recognized as a major species involved in pityriasis versicolor.
  • These results are crucial for effective management of Malassezia-related dermatological conditions.
Keywords:
EpidemiologyMalasseziaPityriasis versicolorSpecies identification

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