The Prevalence of Malassezia yeasts in patients with seborrheic dermatitis by PCR-RFLP method in Isfahan, Iran

Introduction: Malassezia spp. are lipophilic basidiomycetes that are the microbial members of the flora of most warm-blooded animals. The natural habitat of these lipophilic yeasts is the horny part of human and animal skin. Malassezia population densities in infected lesions are generally higher than in healthy skin, and yeast proliferation appears to be the first step in developing Malassezia dermatitis. Under certain conditions, these yeasts can cause diseases such as Pityriasis versicolor and seborrheic dermatitis, and even cause systemic infections. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of Malassezia in Isfahan, Iran. Material and methods: In this descriptive cross-sectional study in ۲۰۱۱ in Isfahan, ۱۰۰ people (۷۰ men and ۳۰ women) with seborrheic dermatitis were studied. Sampling was performed by chipping from dandruff and behind the ears. The samples were studied microscopically. After culturing and extracting DNA from the colonies, Malassezia spp. were identified by PCR-RFLP method. Results: Based on the results, the total number of yeast cells in the samples of patients with seborrheic dermatitis was ۵۳ (۵۳%) and also ۳۸ (۳۸%) of yeast colonies grew. Based on PCR-RFLP results, five species including Malassezia globosa, Malassezia furfur, Malassezia restricta, Malassezia sympodialis and Malassezia slofiae were identified. Conclusion: Based on PCR-RFLP analysis in healthy control, seborrheic dermatitis and Pityriasis versicolor in patients referred to laboratories in Isfahan, Malassezia globosa was the most common isolated species among the five isolated species.Introduction: Malassezia spp. are lipophilic basidiomycetes that are the microbial members of the flora of most warm-blooded animals. The natural habitat of these lipophilic yeasts is the horny part of human and animal skin. Malassezia population densities in infected lesions are generally higher than in healthy skin, and yeast proliferation appears to be the first step in developing Malassezia dermatitis. Under certain conditions, these yeasts can cause diseases such as Pityriasis versicolor and seborrheic dermatitis, and even cause systemic infections. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of Malassezia in Isfahan, Iran. Material and methods: In this descriptive cross-sectional study in ۲۰۱۱ in Isfahan, ۱۰۰ people (۷۰ men and ۳۰ women) with seborrheic dermatitis were studied. Sampling was performed by chipping from dandruff and behind the ears. The samples were studied microscopically. After culturing and extracting DNA from the colonies, Malassezia spp. were identified by PCR-RFLP method. Results: Based on the results, the total number of yeast cells in the samples of patients with seborrheic dermatitis was ۵۳ (۵۳%) and also ۳۸ (۳۸%) of yeast colonies grew. Based on PCR-RFLP results, five species including Malassezia globosa, Malassezia furfur, Malassezia restricta, Malassezia sympodialis and Malassezia slofiae were identified. Conclusion: Based on PCR-RFLP analysis in healthy control, seborrheic dermatitis and Pityriasis versicolor in patients referred to laboratories in Isfahan, Malassezia globosa was the most common isolated species among the five isolated species.