Pityriasis Versicolor Lesions Research Articles

Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada Disease Diagnosed in a Black-Skinned Woman in Internal Medicine

Introduction: Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada disease, initially described as an uveomeningoencephalitic syndrome, is a systemic granulomatous autoimmune disease that targets melanocyte-rich tissues, such as the eye, inner ear, meninges, skin and hair. It is one of the most prevalent causes of noninfectious uveitis affecting, more frequently, individuals of pigmented skin, such as Asians, Middle Easterners, Hispanics and Native Americans. However, it is very infrequent among persons of African descent. Here, we report on a case in a black-skinned woman in internal medicine. Clinical Observation: A 45-year-old Malian black-skinned woman with no history of ocular trauma or intraocular surgery presented at internal medicine outpatient clinic with 3-months history of achromic skin patches over the face and trunk, bilateral visual disturbance, bilateral hearing loss with tinnitus and headache. Dermatological examination revealed bilateral, symmetrical achromic lesions over the back, buttocks and eyelids, with scalp poliosis; and perioral pityriasis versicolor lesions. She had no alopecia or other dermatological lesions. Ophthalmological examination revealed a profound drop in visual acuity. Oto-rhino-laringologic examination revealed a discreet hearing loss. Ophthalmological investigations revealed bilateral posterior panuveitis on funduscopic examination, bilateral chronic iridocyclitis on slit- lamp examination, and bilateral choroidal thickening on ocular ultrasound. The diagnosis of Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada was retained, based on the diagnostic criteria established by the American Society for the Study of Uveitis (UAS) in 1978. Prednisone at a dose of 1.5 mg per kilogram tapering courses with adjuvant treatment was initiated. The ophthalmologist's prescription consisted of 1% atropine eye drops, 0.25% timoptol eye drops and dexamethasone eye drops which had been discontinued because of systemic cortitherapy; and that of the dermatologist, Hydrocortisone butyrate 0.1% cream, .......

Identification of Malassezia species isolated from some Malassezia associated skin diseases.

The genus Malassezia represents the dominant eukaryotic component of the skin microbial flora. There are complex interactions between this commensal and the skin, leading to various Malassezia-caused or Malassezia exacerbated skin conditions. To identify Malassezia species in lesions of patients with pityriasis versicolor (PV), atopic dermatitis (AD), and seborrheic dermatitis (SD), as well as corresponding sites in healthy subjects according to the culture methods used for Malassezia species isolation. Scrapings were collected from 80 patients (40 PV, 20 AD, and 20 SD) and 30 healthy subjects. For 10-14 days, specimens were cultured on Dixon's medium and Malt extract agar. Direct microscopic examination with Gram's stain, subculture on Hi chrome agar, Dixon's medium at various temperatures, Tweens assimilation, and hydrolysis of tryptophan were used for the identification of yeast isolates. The isolation frequency of Malassezia species in healthy subjects was 13.3% for M. furfur, 10.0% for M. globosa, and 3.3% for M.sympodialis. In patients with SD, M. furfur was isolated more frequently from scalp lesions (25.0%) and then M. sympodialis (15%) and M. globosa (10%). Malassezia sympodialis was the most prevalent isolated species in AD lesions (20%), followed by M. furfur (10%). Malassezia species isolation was found to be most prevalent in PV lesions, with M. furfur being the most prevalent identified species (52.5 %), followed by unidentified species (20%). Malassezia species composition was similar in PV, SD, and healthy subjects, with M. furfur being the commonest isolate, while Malassezia sympodialis was the prevalent species isolated in AD lesions. Chrome agar media can be promising for the identification of Malassezia species phenotypically. However, species differentiation has to be complemented by molecular methods.

Epidemiology of Pityriasis versicolor in Tunisia: Clinical features and characterization of Malassezia species

Malassezia (M.) genus includes commensal yeasts of increasing medical importance, as they result in many diseases, ranging from pityriasis versicolor (PV) to systemic infections. Previous studies reported geographical variations in distribution of Malassezia species in PV lesions. The aims of the current study were to define the clinico-demographic features of PV in Tunisia, to characterize Malassezia isolates using phenotypic and molecular techniques and to find out any association between species and clinico-demographic parameters.In total, 120 PV patients were enrolled in this study. Skin scrapings were collected and inoculated on Sabouraud agar and modified Dixon medium. Malassezia species were identified using conventional phenotypic methods and 26 s rDNA PCR-RFLP. The highest prevalence of PV was observed among young adults’ group. The most affected body areas were the back and neck. In overall, 50.8% and 35% of PV cases had pruritus and history of recurrence respectively. The overall concordance between phenotypic and molecular methods was high (80.95%). The discordant results are rather due to the presence of multiple species in a single culture than true misidentification. Using PCR-RFLP, M. furfur was the most isolated species (38.7%) followed by M. globosa (37.7%), M. restricta and M. sympodialis. No statistically significant association was noted between Malassezia spp. and clinico-demographic characteristics. Unlike many reports from temperate climate countries, M. furfur and M. globosa along together were the most frequently isolated species in Tunisian PV patients. Although phenotypic methods remain simple and cost-effective, molecular techniques are considered as fast and accurate methods for diagnosis purposes.

Epidemiological, clinical and mycological characteristics of pityriasis versicolor: Results of a study from a teaching hospital in rural part of Northern India.

Pityriasis versicolor is a common fungal infection of the skin which leads to the formation of scaly and discoloured small lesions on skin. The main objective of this study is to describe clinical and mycological characteristics and the predisposing factors in patients with pityriasis versicolor. In this prospective, observational, hospital-based cross-sectional study, patients of all ages with clinically suspected lesions of pityriasis versicolor were included. After detailed history and thorough clinical examination, skin scrapings were examined with 10% potassium hydroxide (KOH) under light microscope. The scrapings were also subjected to culture examination. A total of 113 patients [78 (69.0%) male; 35 (31%) female] were included in the study. A total of 87 (76.9%) patients were from rural area. Outdoor occupation and positive family history of pityriasis versicolor was present in 65 (57.5%) and 38 (33.6%) patients, respectively. Recurrent episodes were reported by 66 (60%) patients. Excessive sweating and oily skin were seen in 36 (31.8%) and 24 (21.1%) patients, respectively. History of occlusive clothing was present in 22 (19.4%) patients. Chest, back, and shoulders were affected in 36 (31.8%), 22 (19.4%), and 08 (07.0%) patients, respectively. Hypopigmented lesions were seen in 97 (85.8%) patients. Patches and macules were observed in 60 (53.1%) and 53 (46.9%) patients, respectively. A total of 27 (23.8%) patients reported mild prutitus. A total of 79 (69.9%) patients were KOH positive and culture negative, whereas 26 (23.0%) patients were KOH as well as culture positive. Eight (7.0%) patients were both KOH and culture negative. Pytiriasis versicolor is more common in young adults and males with the most common presentation of hypopigmentation lesions. In our study population, presentation with large patches was more common than macular lesions. Pruritus was more in patients with large patches than those with macules.

Immunophenotyping comparison of inflammatory cells between Malassezia folliculitis and pityriasis versicolor lesions.

Malassezia folliculitis and pityriasis versicolor are common Malassezia-induced superficial mycoses. Their clinicopathological discrepancy may be due to the difference of cellular and humoral immune responses.

Successful treatment of Pityriasis Versicolor by photodynamic therapy mediated by methylene blue.

Although systemic therapies are recommended for severe or recalcitrant cases of pityriasis versicolor (PV), they are not free of important side effects and drug interactions. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) utilizes the action of singlet oxygen and free radicals produced by a light-activated photosensitizer to kill viruses, bacteria, or fungi. In this study, the effect of a PDT mediated by methylene blue (MB) in PV was evaluated. Five women with PV disseminated on the back and diagnosed by fresh microscopic analysis were treated with a solution of MB (2%) applied to the PV lesions for 3minutes. Next, a red LED lamp (λ=630±5nm, 37J/cm2 ), placed 100mm from the skin for 10minutes, was applied on the dyed PV lesions. Six sessions of MB/PDT were implemented with a 2-week interval in between. Wood's lamp examination was used to monitor fungal infection at each time point. Complete cure was observed in the five women at the 4weeks post-treatment follow-up. Fluoresce images from PV lesions by Wood's lamp allowed to evaluate whether the lesions were healed or not at each time point. No patient showed relapse at the 6-month follow-up. The patients did not have any adverse effect, and good cosmetic outcome was observed. Six sessions of MB/PDT spaced at 14-day intervals are sufficient for the treatment for PV in healthy patients.

Molecular Identification and Quantification of Malassezia Species Isolated from Pityriasis Versicolor.

Background:Pityriasis versicolor (PV) is the most common chronic superficial infection of the stratum corneum, reported in 40–60% of the tropical population. After the description of the new Malassezia species, only a few studies have been conducted from India.Aims:Molecular identification, quantification of Malassezia species implicated with PV and correlation to its clinical presentation.Materials and Methods:The subjects include 50 PV patients, who attended the dermatology outpatient department of our hospital and 50 healthy individuals. Same size area of the skin was sampled from lesional and non-lesional sites in the patient group and from forehead, cheek, and chest of healthy individuals. Malassezia spp. isolated were identified by conventional method and confirmed by ITS2 PCR-RFLP and sequencing of D1/D2 region of 26S rDNA.Results:Eighty percent of patients presented with hypopigmented lesions and 20% with hyperpigmented lesions. From PV lesions, the most frequently isolated species was M. furfur (50%), followed by M. globosa (27.3%), mixture of M. furfur and M. globosa (15.9%), M. sympodialis (4.5%), and M. slooffiae (2.3%). Higher Malassezia density was found in lesional area as compared to non-lesional area of PV patients and in healthy individuals (P 0.0001).Conclusion:Although M. furfur was the most prevalent species isolated from both patients and controls, significantly higher isolation of M. globosa from the lesional area compared to non-lesional area indicates its possible role along with M. furfur in causing PV.

Dermoscopic pattern of pityriasis versicolor.

Background: Pityriasis versicolor (PV) is essentially a clinical diagnosis characterized by hypopigmented or hyperpigmented patches on the skin. Dermoscopy is gaining popularity as a noninvasive procedure for the diagnosis of different pigmentary and inflammatory disorders. However, scarce evidence exists on the dermoscopic pattern of PV.Objective: To describe the dermoscopic features of hypopigmented and hyperpigmented lesions of PV.Methods: Dermoscopic images of PV lesions located on different body sites were retrospectively evaluated for the presence of predefined criteria.Results: A total of 178 lesions from 125 patients were included in the study among which 164 lesions were hypopigmented and 14 lesions were hyperpigmented. Nonuniform pigmentation was the most common dermoscopic feature seen in both hypopigmented lesions (n=152, 92.68%) and hyperpigmented lesions (n=14, 100%). Scales were seen in 142 hypopigmented lesions (86.56%) and 13 hyperpigmented lesions (92.86%). Patchy scaling was more common in hypopigmented lesions (n=95, 57.92%) while scaling in the furrows was more common in the dermoscopy of hyperpigmented lesions (n=5, 35.71%). Inconspicuous ridges and furrows and perilesional hyperpigmentation were other significant features seen in dermoscopy of the lesions.Conclusion: To our knowledge, this is the first study describing the dermoscopic features of PV in such a large number of patients. Description of these new features adds valuable information and may help to establish dermoscopy as an important auxiliary tool for the diagnosis of PV.

MALDI-TOF MS identification of Malassezia species isolated from patients with pityriasis versicolor at the seafarers’ medical service in Dakar, Senegal

Pityriasis versicolor (PV) is a superficial mycosis caused by yeast of the genus Malassezia. The most common isolated Malassezia species in PV lesions differ among M. furfur, M. globosa and M. sympodialis. We purpose to determine the distribution of Malassezia species in PV patients at the seafarers’ medical service in Dakar, Senegal and to examine whether any association between identified Malassezia species and patients’ profile. From May 2017 to August 2017, first a questionnaire was filled to get informative data before collection of skin scrapings taken from most scaly site using sterile scalpel blade and application of scotch® for direct examination (DE). At the laboratory, DE, culture and identification by MALDI-TOF MS were done. One hundred patients with PV – all men – were included with a mean age of 34 years. Among seafarers, 81% were sailors. Clinical prevalence of PV was highest in aged adults patients with ages of 31 to 60 years (56%). Seafarers with high level of education were less representative with only 2%. The mean duration of the PV was 26.83 months. 20% of subjects suffered lesions in more than one location. The chest was the most affected anatomical site. Furthermore, possible predisposing factors associated with PV were also detected. DE was positive in 95% but culture growth only in 46%. MALDI-TOF MS analysis of the positive cultures could be performed in 84.8% (39/46). Only M. furfur was identified in 100% (39/39). In definitive, M. furfur is the only causative agent of PV in Dakar.

Depigmented lesions of pityriasis versicolor: A diagnostic dilemma with review of literature

Depigmented lesions of pityriasis versicolor: A diagnostic dilemma with review of literature

The spectrum of Malassezia species isolated from students with pityriasis vesicolor in Nigeria.

Pityriasis versicolor (PV) is a common superficial fungal infection of the skin caused by Malassezia. Initially M. furfur was suggested as its main aetiological agent; however, more recent studies suggest M. globosa as the dominant species. The possibility of a variance in predominant species based on geographical basis has not been fully evaluated. The objective of this study was to identify the Malassezia species on affected and non-affected skin of students with PV who reside in a tropical environment (Abuja, Nigeria) and correlate them to clinical characteristics. In this study, the literature on prevalence of Malassezia genus in PV was also reviewed. Samples were taken from 304 PV lesions and 110 normal appearing skin. Microscopy, culture and identification of Malassezia species utilising polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis were performed. Three Malassezia species were detected in PV with the major species being M. furfur. On normal appearing skin, M. furfur (77.6%) and M. restricta (10.4%) were both detected. No case of M. globosa was identified in this study. There was no significant difference between species identified and clinical features of PV. M. furfur is probably still the most predominant species causing PV in the tropical environment.

Molecular identification and prevalence of malassezia species in pityriasis versicolor patients from kashan, iran.

Background:Malassezia species are lipophilic yeasts found on the skin surface of humans and other warm-blooded vertebrates. It is associated with various human diseases, especially pityriasis versicolor, which is a chronic superficial skin disorder.Objectives:The aim of the present study was to identify Malassezia species isolated from patients’ samples affected by pityriasis versicolor, using molecular methods in Kashan, Iran.Patients and Methods:A total of 140 subjects, suspected of having pityriasis versicolor from Kashan, were clinically diagnosed and then confirmed by direct microscopic examination. The scraped skin specimens were inoculated in modified Dixon’s medium. DNA was extracted from the colonies and PCR amplification was carried out for the 26s rDNA region. PCR products were used to further restriction fragment length polymorphism by CfoI enzyme.Results:Direct examination was positive in 93.3% of suspected pityriasis versicolor lesions. No statistically significant difference was observed in the frequency of Malassezia species between women and men. The highest prevalence of tinea versicolor was seen in patients 21–30 years-of-age. No difference could be seen in the frequency of Malassezia species depending on the age of the patients. In total, 65% of patients with pityriasis versicolor had hyperhidrosis. The most commonly isolated Malassezia species in the pityriasis versicolor lesions were; Malassezia globosa (66%), M. furfur (26%), M. restricta (3%), M. sympodialis (3%), and M. slooffiae (2%). Malassezia species were mainly isolated from the neck and chest.Conclusions:This study showed M. globosa to be the most common Malassezia species isolated from Malassezia skin disorders in Kashan, Iran. The PCR-RFLP method was useful in the rapid identification of the Malassezia species. By using these methods, the detection and identification of individual Malassezia species from clinical samples was substantially easier.

Study of the distribution of Malassezia species in patients with pityriasis versicolor and healthy individuals in Tertiary Care Hospital, Punjab

Purpose: Pityriasis versicolor (PV) is a chronic superficial fungal disease caused by Malassezia species. Our aim was to identify Malassezia species from PV patients and healthy individuals in Punjab. Materials and Methods: Modified Dixon agar was used as isolation culture medium. Identification was based on morphological observation and biochemical evaluation. The biochemical evaluation consisted of culture onto Sabouraud dextrose agar, catalase reaction, Tween assimilation, Cremophor EL assimilation, splitting of esculin and growth at 380C. Results: Out of 58 microscopically diagnosed cases of PV, growth was obtained from 54 (93.10%) cases. The most frequently isolated species were M. globosa, M. sympodialis and M. furfur which made up 51.79%, 31.42% and 18.51% of the isolated etiological agents respectively. However, the major isolate from the back of healthy individuals was M. sympodialis (47.61%), followed by M.obtusa (19.04%), M. globosa (14.20%), M. furfur (9.52%), M. pachydermatis (4.76%) and M. slooffiae (4.76%). Conclusions:M. globosa in its mycelial phase was the main etiological agent, but as normal flora from the back of healthy subjects, it was found in significantly less number (P = 0.01), suggesting that the higher pathogenicity of M. globosa in terms of enzymatic endowment, might be the cause of its predominance in PV lesions.

Pityriasis versicolor

Pityriasis versicolor (PV) is one of the most common infectious skin diseases, as well as the most common dermatosis associated with pigmentation alterations of the skin. PV is prevalent in 1% of the population living in temperate climate zones and more common during the summer. In tropical areas, PV is found in up to 50% of all patients consulting a dermatologist. Of the known Malassezia species, M. globosa is currently felt to play a key role in the pathogenesis of PV, as it is most commonly found in PV lesions. In addition, its round-shaped cells may contribute to the characteristic histology of the disease ("spaghetti and meatballs"). However, the clinical appearance of PV including hyper- and hypopigmentation, fluorescence of the lesions, as well as a lack of inflammation despite high fungal load cannot fully be explained by the presence of M. globosa, which is also found on healthy skin. In M. furfur a tryptophan-dependent metabolic pathway generates a number of indole pigments, which may be associated with the clinical appearance of PV. In the model organism Ustilago maydis it was shown that the formation of the indole compounds occurs spontaneously after initial conversion of tryptophan into indole pyruvate controlled by the key enzyme aminotransferase Tam 1. We review the present knowledge of PV and highlight the potential role of Tam1 in explaining the poorly understood aspects of the disease. Promising therapeutic results using the application of Tam1 inhibitors to treat PV support the enzyme's important role in the disease pathogenesis.

Hair loss in pityriasis versicolor lesions: A descriptive clinicopathological study

We have observed that hair thinning and/or loss occur at times as a presenting symptom or sign in patients with pityriasis versicolor (PV). Our objective was to verify and explore this clinical observation and depict its underlying pathology. A total of 39 patients with PV were examined during a period of 11 months and skin biopsy specimens were taken from lesional and nonlesional skin. Hematoxylin-eosin- and periodic acid-Schiff-stained sections were examined and described. Results were statistically analyzed. Hair loss and/or thinning within PV lesions was shown in 61.5% of patients (P value < .0005), appearing most commonly on forearms, abdomen, and neck as well as the beard area (only in male participants). Histopathologically, in addition to the classically described features of PV, basal hydropic degeneration, follicular degeneration, miniaturization, atrophy, plugging, and/or hair shaft absence occurred in 46% of lesional versus 20.5% of nonlesional biopsy specimens (P value < .05); these changes appeared to be directly or indirectly related to the presence of Malassezia organisms in hair follicles and/or stratum corneum. Some patients with PV lesions on the face did not approve facial biopsy. This study provides clinical and histopathological evidence that PV lesions may be associated with hair thinning and/or loss.

Distribución de las especies de Malassezia en pacientes con pitiriasis versicolor y en individuos sanos

Purpose This study analyses the prevalence of Malassezia species in the skin lesions of patients with pityriasis versicolor and in the healthy skin of a healthy individual group. Materials and Methods The group studied included one hundred and fifty patients with pityriasis versicolor. Samples were taken from the pityriasis versicolor lesions by means of Sellotape for direct microscopy with KOH + Parker ink, and scales were obtained by scarping for culture, and inoculated on modified Dixon agar plates. Samples were also taken of healthy skin of the forehead and of the shoulders of one hundred and fifty healthy individual group. All these samples were used for culture and inoculated on the medium, but were not examined by direct microscopy. The yeasts were identified by their morphological and physiological characteristics. Results M. globosa was isolated in 130 cases (86,7%) of 150 patients with pityriasis versicolor. M. sympodialis was also found in 63 cases (42%). In healthy skin of the forehead of healthy individuals a total of 23 isolates from the 150 samples were obtained. M. sympodialis was the predominant species (56,52%), followed by M. globosa (47,8%). In healthy skin of the shoulders a total of 91 isolates were obtained. M. sympodialis was by far the predominant species (91,2%) followed by M. globosa (7,6%) and M. slooffiae (1,09%). Conclusions M. globosa, in its mycelial phase, is the predominant species in the ethiology of pityriasis versicolor.

Prevalence of Malassezia species in pityriasis versicolor lesions in northeast Argentina

Background Malassezia species normally colonize the skin but they can change their saprophytic state and invade the stratum corneum as pathogens. Aims To determine the prevalence of Malassezia species isolated from patients with pityriasis versicolor (PV) and to analyse their distribution according to the location of the lesion on the body. Methods This study included 218 patients with PV and positive Malassezia cultures who resided in the city of Resistencia, a subtropical area located in northeast Argentina. Age, gender, and the body site of lesions were recorded. Strains were identified by PCR-RFLP. Results Malassezia sympodialis (37.7%) and Malassezia globosa (37.2%) were the most prevalent species isolated alone or in association with other Malassezia species in 82% of the patients. Malassezia furfur (21.3%) was the third most common species, followed by Malassezia slooffiae (1.7%), and Malassezia restricta (1.3%), which was found only in combination with M. globosa and M. sympodialis. Malassezia dermatis (0.4%) and Malassezia pachydermatis (0.4%) were each isolated once. None of the species affected a body site with statistical significance. Significant difference between genders according to age was found only in the 31–40-year-age group. Conclusions This study suggests that M. sympodialis and M. globosa represent the main species implicated in the pathogenicity of PV. M. furfur appears to be the third agent of importance in this geographical area. Statistical analyses showed none of the species was particularly associated with any one of the body sites.

Pitiríase versicolor: isolamento e identificação das principais espécies de Malassezia

As espécies do gênero Malassezia isoladas foram: Malassezia sympodialis (16,66%), Malassezia furfur (12,50%), Malassezia globosa (11,45%) e Malassezia slooffiae (2,10%). A Malassezia sympodialis foi a espécie que predominou em nosso estudo. As espécies de Malassezia identificadas não mostraram correlação com as variantes clínicas e com a distribuição das lesões de pitiríase versicolor quanto às regiões do corpo.

Atrophying Pityriasis Versicolor: Is This a New Variant of Pityriasis Versicolor?

An atypical clinical form of pityriasis versicolor has been infrequently reported, in which cutaneous atrophy is associated with individual pityriasis versicolor lesions. The pathogenesis of this atrophy remains unclear, but is believed to be a delayed-type hypersensitivity reaction to antigens derived from the Malassezia species. A 60-year-old man presented with multiple, slightly scaly, and depressed maculopatches or plaques on the trunk and extremities. Our microscopic examination of the skin scrapings on a KOH preparation revealed numerous short hyphae and spores. The patient was treated daily with 200 mg of itraconazole in combination with topical antifungals, achieving clinical improvement and mycological recovery, which was confirmed upon follow-up 1 month later. This is the first case report of atrophying pityriasis versicolor in Korea. It needs to be differentiated from other atrophying disorders of the skin.

Random amplified polymorphic DNA analysis of Malassezia isolates from cutaneous lesions of pityriasis versicolor

Objective To investigate intraspecific and interspecific variation within Malassezia iso-lates from patients with pityriasis versicolor by random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis, to learn the difference between RAPD analysis and physiological and biochemical methods in the typing of Malassezia species, and to explore the relationship between RAPD patterns and Malassezia species. Methods A total of 47 Malassezia isolates were obtained from 34 patients with pityriasis versicolor, and they were classified into 5 species by morphological, physiological and biochemical features, I.e., M. Fin'fur, M. Obtusa, M. Globosa, M. Restricta and M. Sympodialis. Genomic DNA was extracted from the 47 clinical isolates and 10 reference strains (including 7 species) of Malassezia. PCR was performed using 4 random primers including S22, S24, S25 and S33. RAPD patterns were analyzed by NTSYS software and dendrogram was autogenerated. Results Genomic DNA of most strains was successfully amplified with four primers, espe-cially with primers S22 and S24 that resulted in rather stable and clear DNA bands. A total of 82 fragments were amplified from all tested strains. These strains showed both interspecifie and intraspecific variation. Multiple swains were isolated from different body sites of 4 patients and identified into different species by biochemical and morphological typing; those swains from same hosts occupied contiguous positions in the dendrogram and exhibited a high genetic convergence. Conclusion The phenomenon that different strains from a co-host show a high genetic convergence indicates that species specificity and evolution of Malassezia are closely related to its hosts. Key words: Tinea versicolor; Malassezia; Random amplified polymorphic DNA technique