Experimental tinea versicolor in rabbits and humans with Pityrosporum orbiculare

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Mycology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Tinea versicolor is a common superficial fungal infection.
• The causative agent, Pityrosporum orbiculare (also known as Malassezia furfur), has been implicated but direct experimental induction has been challenging.

Purpose of the Study:

• To experimentally induce tinea versicolor in rabbits and humans using Pityrosporum orbiculare.
• To investigate the role of occlusion in the development of experimental tinea versicolor.

Main Methods:

• Inoculation of Pityrosporum orbiculare onto the skin of rabbits and humans.
• Application of plastic occlusion to the inoculation sites.
• Observation of lesion development and clinical presentation.

Main Results:

• Tinea versicolor-like lesions were produced in 3 of 4 rabbits under occlusion.
• Experimental infections occurred in 10 of 12 patients with a history of tinea versicolor and 3 of 6 normal volunteers under occlusion.
• Infection was not achieved without occlusion.
• Spontaneous resolution of lesions was typically observed.

Conclusions:

• Pityrosporum orbiculare can experimentally induce tinea versicolor-like infections in rabbits and humans.
• Occlusion is a critical factor for the development of experimental tinea versicolor.
• The findings support P. orbiculare as the etiological agent of tinea versicolor.