The Pityrosporon yeasts. Their role as pathogens

P. orbiculare (P. ovale), a member of the normal human cutaneous flora, is also an opportunistic pathogen, and the association with tinea versicolor is well-documented. Recently, the Pityrosporon yeasts have been associated with several other diseases. That Pityrosporon folliculitis is a separate disease is now documented. The association with CRP and with some cases of psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis seem probable but are not yet fully proven. Reports show that P. orbiculare (P. ovale) are involved not only in dermatologic diseases, again indicating that the organisms are not "harmless" saprophytes. Because of our awareness of this association, more cases of systemic infections with Pityrosporon yeasts may be reported.