Malassezia is a lipophilic yeast Yeast A general term for single-celled rounded fungi that reproduce by budding. Brewers' and bakers' yeasts are saccharomyces cerevisiae; therapeutic dried yeast is yeast, dried. Mycology commonly found on the skin Skin The skin, also referred to as the integumentary system, is the largest organ of the body. The skin is primarily composed of the epidermis (outer layer) and dermis (deep layer). The epidermis is primarily composed of keratinocytes that undergo rapid turnover, while the dermis contains dense layers of connective tissue. Skin: Structure and Functions surfaces of many animals Animals Unicellular or multicellular, heterotrophic organisms, that have sensation and the power of voluntary movement. Under the older five kingdom paradigm, animalia was one of the kingdoms. Under the modern three domain model, animalia represents one of the many groups in the domain eukaryota. Cell Types: Eukaryotic versus Prokaryotic, including humans. In the presence of certain environments or triggers Triggers Hereditary Angioedema (C1 Esterase Inhibitor Deficiency), this fungus can cause pathologic diseases ranging from superficial skin Skin The skin, also referred to as the integumentary system, is the largest organ of the body. The skin is primarily composed of the epidermis (outer layer) and dermis (deep layer). The epidermis is primarily composed of keratinocytes that undergo rapid turnover, while the dermis contains dense layers of connective tissue. Skin: Structure and Functions conditions (tinea versicolor and dermatitis Dermatitis Any inflammation of the skin. Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema)) to invasive disease (e.g., Malassezia folliculitis, catheter-associated fungemia Fungemia The presence of fungi circulating in the blood. Opportunistic fungal sepsis is seen most often in immunosuppressed patients with severe neutropenia or in postoperative patients with intravenous catheters and usually follows prolonged antibiotic therapy. Chronic Granulomatous Disease, meningitis Meningitis Meningitis is inflammation of the meninges, the protective membranes of the brain, and spinal cord. The causes of meningitis are varied, with the most common being bacterial or viral infection. The classic presentation of meningitis is a triad of fever, altered mental status, and nuchal rigidity. Meningitis, and urinary tract Urinary tract The urinary tract is located in the abdomen and pelvis and consists of the kidneys, ureters, urinary bladder, and urethra. The structures permit the excretion of urine from the body. Urine flows from the kidneys through the ureters to the urinary bladder and out through the urethra. Urinary Tract: Anatomy infections Infections Invasion of the host organism by microorganisms or their toxins or by parasites that can cause pathological conditions or diseases. Chronic Granulomatous Disease). Patients Patients Individuals participating in the health care system for the purpose of receiving therapeutic, diagnostic, or preventive procedures. Clinician–Patient Relationship with tinea versicolor develop an asymptomatic or mildly pruritic hypopigmented or hyperpigmented rash Rash Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever on the chest, back, abdomen, or face. Seborrheic dermatitis Seborrheic dermatitis Seborrheic dermatitis is a common chronic, relapsing skin disorder that presents as erythematous plaques with greasy, yellow scales in susceptible areas (scalp, face, and trunk). Seborrheic dermatitis has a biphasic incidence, occurring in two peaks: first in infants, then in adolescence and early adulthood. Seborrheic Dermatitis presents with an erythematous, pruritic rash Rash Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever with greasy scales Scales Dry or greasy masses of keratin that represent thickened stratum corneum. Secondary Skin Lesions and yellow crust Crust Dried exudate of body fluids (blood, pus, or sebum) on an area of damaged skin Secondary Skin Lesions, most commonly affecting areas of the face, upper trunk, or intertriginous regions. The presentation Presentation The position or orientation of the fetus at near term or during obstetric labor, determined by its relation to the spine of the mother and the birth canal. The normal position is a vertical, cephalic presentation with the fetal vertex flexed on the neck. Normal and Abnormal Labor of Malassezia folliculitis is similar to that of bacterial folliculitis, with pruritic, monomorphic papules or pustules in a follicular pattern. The diagnosis of the superficial skin Skin The skin, also referred to as the integumentary system, is the largest organ of the body. The skin is primarily composed of the epidermis (outer layer) and dermis (deep layer). The epidermis is primarily composed of keratinocytes that undergo rapid turnover, while the dermis contains dense layers of connective tissue. Skin: Structure and Functions conditions is primarily by exam, but may be confirmed by microscopy of skin Skin The skin, also referred to as the integumentary system, is the largest organ of the body. The skin is primarily composed of the epidermis (outer layer) and dermis (deep layer). The epidermis is primarily composed of keratinocytes that undergo rapid turnover, while the dermis contains dense layers of connective tissue. Skin: Structure and Functions scrapings. Management entails the use of topical and oral antifungal Antifungal Azoles agents.
Last updated: 27 May, 2021
Methylene blue staining of Malassezia yeast Yeast A general term for single-celled rounded fungi that reproduce by budding. Brewers’ and bakers’ yeasts are saccharomyces cerevisiae; therapeutic dried yeast is yeast, dried. Mycology
Image: “2916” by Allergy Allergy An abnormal adaptive immune response that may or may not involve antigen-specific IgE Type I Hypersensitivity Reaction Unit, Department of Dermatology, University Hospital of Zurich, Gloriastrasse 31, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland. License: CC BY 4.0Photomicrograph of a
skin
Skin
The skin, also referred to as the integumentary system, is the largest organ of the body. The skin is primarily composed of the epidermis (outer layer) and dermis (deep layer). The epidermis is primarily composed of keratinocytes that undergo rapid turnover, while the dermis contains dense layers of connective tissue.
Skin: Structure and Functions scraping sample in a patient with tinea versicolor:
Note the presence of spherical,
yeast
Yeast
A general term for single-celled rounded fungi that reproduce by budding. Brewers’ and bakers’ yeasts are saccharomyces cerevisiae; therapeutic dried yeast is yeast, dried.
Mycology-like fungal cells, and short
hyphae
Hyphae
Microscopic threadlike filaments in fungi that are filled with a layer of protoplasm. Collectively, the hyphae make up the mycelium.
Mycology of Malassezia species.
Microscopic appearance of Malassezia furfur fungal cells and hyphae Hyphae Microscopic threadlike filaments in fungi that are filled with a layer of protoplasm. Collectively, the hyphae make up the mycelium. Mycology from skin Skin The skin, also referred to as the integumentary system, is the largest organ of the body. The skin is primarily composed of the epidermis (outer layer) and dermis (deep layer). The epidermis is primarily composed of keratinocytes that undergo rapid turnover, while the dermis contains dense layers of connective tissue. Skin: Structure and Functions scraping in tinea versicolor
Image: “3938” by CDC. License: Public DomainThere are a number of recognized species:
Tinea versicolor:
Malassezia folliculitis:
Malassezia are part of the normal skin Skin The skin, also referred to as the integumentary system, is the largest organ of the body. The skin is primarily composed of the epidermis (outer layer) and dermis (deep layer). The epidermis is primarily composed of keratinocytes that undergo rapid turnover, while the dermis contains dense layers of connective tissue. Skin: Structure and Functions flora in humans and animals Animals Unicellular or multicellular, heterotrophic organisms, that have sensation and the power of voluntary movement. Under the older five kingdom paradigm, animalia was one of the kingdoms. Under the modern three domain model, animalia represents one of the many groups in the domain eukaryota. Cell Types: Eukaryotic versus Prokaryotic.
Predisposing risk factors for disease include:
Tinea versicolor:
Seborrheic dermatitis Seborrheic dermatitis Seborrheic dermatitis is a common chronic, relapsing skin disorder that presents as erythematous plaques with greasy, yellow scales in susceptible areas (scalp, face, and trunk). Seborrheic dermatitis has a biphasic incidence, occurring in two peaks: first in infants, then in adolescence and early adulthood. Seborrheic Dermatitis:
Malassezia folliculitis:
Symptoms:
Physical exam:
Patchy, erythematous rash Rash Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever on a patient’s chest, neck Neck The part of a human or animal body connecting the head to the rest of the body. Peritonsillar Abscess, and abdomen consistent with tinea versicolor
Image: “22849” by CDC/Dr. Lucille K. Georg. License: Public DomainPlaque Plaque Primary Skin Lesions-like, blotchy, erythematous rash Rash Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever on a patient’s left shoulder due to tinea versicolor
Image: “22847” by CDC/Dr. Lucille K. Georg. License: Public DomainClose-up view of a patient’s skin Skin The skin, also referred to as the integumentary system, is the largest organ of the body. The skin is primarily composed of the epidermis (outer layer) and dermis (deep layer). The epidermis is primarily composed of keratinocytes that undergo rapid turnover, while the dermis contains dense layers of connective tissue. Skin: Structure and Functions surface showing hyperpigmented lesions of tinea versicolor
Image: “22848” by CDC/Dr. Lucille K. Georg. License: Public Domain
Seborrheic dermatitis
Seborrheic dermatitis
Seborrheic dermatitis is a common chronic, relapsing skin disorder that presents as erythematous plaques with greasy, yellow scales in susceptible areas (scalp, face, and trunk). Seborrheic dermatitis has a biphasic incidence, occurring in two peaks: first in infants, then in adolescence and early adulthood.
Seborrheic Dermatitis in a renal transplant recipient:
Note erythematous scaly papules on the
chin
Chin
The anatomical frontal portion of the mandible, also known as the mentum, that contains the line of fusion of the two separate halves of the mandible (symphysis menti). This line of fusion divides inferiorly to enclose a triangular area called the mental protuberance. On each side, inferior to the second premolar tooth, is the mental foramen for the passage of blood vessels and a nerve.
Melasma and nasolabial folds.
This condition may appear similar to acne vulgaris Acne vulgaris Acne vulgaris, also known as acne, is a common disorder of the pilosebaceous units in adolescents and young adults. The condition occurs due to follicular hyperkeratinization, excess sebum production, follicular colonization by Cutibacterium acnes, and inflammation. Acne Vulgaris or bacterial folliculitis:
The diagnosis is most often made clinically on the basis of the history and examination. Additional evaluation can include:
Malassezia furfur fungal organisms:
This photomicrograph of a
skin
Skin
The skin, also referred to as the integumentary system, is the largest organ of the body. The skin is primarily composed of the epidermis (outer layer) and dermis (deep layer). The epidermis is primarily composed of keratinocytes that undergo rapid turnover, while the dermis contains dense layers of connective tissue.
Skin: Structure and Functions
scale
Scale
Dermatologic Examination tissue sample reveals the presence of numerous M. furfur fungal organisms. Note the spaghetti-and-meatballs appearance due to the presence of both
yeast
Yeast
A general term for single-celled rounded fungi that reproduce by budding. Brewers’ and bakers’ yeasts are saccharomyces cerevisiae; therapeutic dried yeast is yeast, dried.
Mycology and
hyphae
Hyphae
Microscopic threadlike filaments in fungi that are filled with a layer of protoplasm. Collectively, the hyphae make up the mycelium.
Mycology.
Recurrences of tinea versicolor and seborrheic dermatitis Seborrheic dermatitis Seborrheic dermatitis is a common chronic, relapsing skin disorder that presents as erythematous plaques with greasy, yellow scales in susceptible areas (scalp, face, and trunk). Seborrheic dermatitis has a biphasic incidence, occurring in two peaks: first in infants, then in adolescence and early adulthood. Seborrheic Dermatitis can be prevented with topical antifungal Antifungal Azoles prophylaxis Prophylaxis Cephalosporins.