The first case of isolation of malassezia globosa in our country

Abstract

Today is known that genus Malassezia includes seven species: M. furfur, M. sympodialis, M. obtusa, M. globosa, M. restricta, M. slooffiae and M. pachydermatis, but role of each of the species in the pathogenesis of desease has not been eluciated yet, so futher laboratory isolation and identification are necessary. We report the first case of isolation of Malassezia globosa in Serbia (Belgrade), in a patient suffering from Pityriasis versicolor. Identification of M. globosa was based on macroscopic, microscopic and biochemical characteristics. Isolation was done on Leeming and Notman medium and on mDixona agar, at 350C, during 7 days in aerobic conditions. Also the yeast's biochemical phenotype was determined as catalase (+), lipase (+), esculin degradation (-), Tween (20,40, 60 and 80) asimilation (-). M. globosa is a lipophilic yeast of the genus Malassezia and the common member of the skin flora. In concordance with some predis-poning factors M. globosa is implicated in the pathogenesis of several skin diseases (pityriasis versicolor, malassezia foliculitis sebor-rheic dermatitis and some forms of atopic dermatitis). In immuno-compromised patients and neonates this yeast can even cause fatal systemic infections. Because the role of Malassezia spp. in pathogenesis of skin desease is not still determined, we suggest laboratory diagnosis and identification of these species as a routine diagnostic procedure.

Keywords

• Malassezia globosa
• Pityriasis versicolor
• laboratory diagnosis