A study on malassezia species causing superficial infections among patients attending a tertiary care hospital in Puducherry

Abstract

Introduction: Malassezia are normal resident flora in humans and are opportunistic in nature. Superficial infections caused by Malassezia include pityriasis versicolor, pityriasis capitis (dandruff), seborrheic dermatitis and folliculitis. Though the manifestations due to Malassezia are trivial, chronicity and recurrence of lesions are associated with social embarrassment and decreased self-esteem. Aims and Objectives: The primary aim of the study was to detect the prevalence of Malassezia among superficial skin and scalp lesions. It also aims to compare Wood’s lamp examination, KOH mount examination and culture for the diagnosis of Malassezia and study the percentage of various species of Malassezia responsible for superficial infections of skin and scalp. Materials and Methods: One hundred samples collected from patients attending the Dermatology outpatient room with superficial infections of skin and scalp. Patients attending Dermatology outpatient room with complaints of hypopigmented / hyperpigmented / erythematous, scaly skin patches and patients attending Dermatology OP with complaints of itchy / non itchy scaly flakes of scalp (dandruff) were included in the study. Results: Among the 100 samples, 77% were Wood’s lamp positive, 64% were KOH positive and 59% yielded growth of Malassezia in culture. Overall prevalence of Malassezia in our study was 59%. In our study, M. globosa was the commonest species (57.62%) followed by M. furfur and M. sympodialis. Conclusion: Prevalence of Malassezia was 59% in our study. Wood’s lamp examination and KOH mount showed more positivity than culture. M. globosa was the most common species in the study. Wood’s lamp and KOH mount can be used for diagnosis of Malassezia in resource poor settings. But culture and speciation should be performed wherever possible to avoid treatment failure and recurrences. Keywords: Culture, Malassezia, Potassium hydroxide mount, Skin scrapings, Wood’s lamp.