Determination of Malassezia species isolated from patients with Pityriasis Versicolor using PCR-restriction enzyme method

Background and aim: Malassezia species are part of the resident skin flora of humans. These yeasts are associated with various superficial diseases, including seborrheic dermatitis, atopic dermatitis, dandruff, and psoriasis. Various DNA-based molecular methods have been recently described to differentiate species of Malassezia. In this survey, a simple, reliable, and cost effective PCR-based method was applied for differentiation of Malassezia species isolated from pityriasis versicolor patients in Iran.Materials and Methods: In this study 83 clinical isolates from pityriasis versicolor patients were analyzed. A PCR-based technique using restriction enzyme digestion was applied for identification of Malassezia species.Results: The most frequently isolated species were M. globosa, followed by M.furfur, M. sympodialis, M. restricta and M.slooffiae. Species of M. packydermatis and M. obtusa were not seen.Conclusion: As M. sympodialis is the most prevalent species in the skin of healthy individuals, isolation of M. globosa as the dominant species from pityriasis versicolor lesions, suggests more virulent factors in this species.