Genotyping of Malassezia pachydermatis disclosed genetic variation in isolates from dogs in Colombia / Genotipagem de Malassezia pachydermatis revelou variação genética em isolados de cães na Colômbia

Malassezia pachydermatis is a lipophilic and lipid-dependent yeast mostly isolated from animals' skin; hence, it is regarded as a zoophilic species causing otitis externa in dogs. Aspects associated with its epidemiology and pathogenicity is a matter of interest. This study aimed to conduct a molecular characterization of 43 isolates of M. pachydermatis obtained from dogs with otitis externa. For this purpose, the 5.8S internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) and D1/D2 26S rRNA regions were amplified, sequenced and analyzed using restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) with AluI, CfoI, and BstF5I endonucleases. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that these isolates grouped with the sequence types I, IV and V, previously proposed for M. pachydermatis. Interestingly, we found a new polymorphic RFLP pattern using BstF5I, these isolates were associated with the sequence types IV and V, nevertheless an association between polymorphic RFLP patterns, and fosfolipase activity or canine population data was not observed. These findings underline the genetic diversity of M. pachydermatis and provide new insights about the epidemiology of this species in the analyzed population.(AU)

Malassezia pachydermatis é uma levedura lipofílica e dependente de lipídios, principalmente da pele de animais. Sendo, por essa razão, considerada uma espécie zoofílica e causadora de otite externa em cães. Neste sentido, aspectos associados à sua epidemiologia e patogenicidade constituem um tema de interesse científico. O objetivo deste estudo foi realizar a caracterização molecular de 43 isolados de M. pachydermatis obtidos a partir de cães com otite externa. Para esta propósito, foram amplificadas, sequenciadas e analisadas com enzimas de restrição as regiões do gene 5.8S, do espaçador interno transcrito 2 (ITS2) e D1/D2 do 26S do rRNA pelo método RFLP, com as endonucleases AluI, CfOI e BstF5I. Análises filogenéticas revelaram que os isolados se agruparam com as sequências tipo I, IV e V de M. pachydermatis como já descrito anteriormente. De maneira interessante, se observou um novo RFLP polimórfico utilizando BstF5I. Os isolados que mostraram esse padrão foram associados com os padrões IV e V. No entanto, não foi observada associação entre padrões polimórficos de RFLP e atividade de fosfolipase ou dados da população canina. Estes resultados demonstram a diversidade genética de M. pachydermatis e fornecem novas perspectivas sobre a epidemiologia destas espécies na população analisada.(AU)

Isolation of Malassezia spp. in HIV-positive patients with and without seborrheic dermatitis

Abstract Background Malassezia, a skin saprophyte, is frequently isolated from patients with seborrheic dermatitis, which is one of the most common dermatoses in HIV-infected patients. Its role in pathophysiology has not been defined. Objective To determine whether patients living with HIV and seborrheic dermatitis have more Malassezia than those without seborrheic dermatitis. Method This is an descriptive, observational, prospective cross-sectional study to which all adult patients living with HIV that attend the infectious disease outpatient clinic at the Dr. Manuel Gea González General Hospital were invited. Patients presenting with scale and erythema were included in Group 1, while patients without erythema were included in Group 2. Samples were taken from all patients for smear and culture. Results Thirty patients were included in each group. All patients with seborrheic dermatitis had a positive smear, with varying amounts of yeasts. In the control group, 36.7% of patients had a negative smear. The results are statistically significant, as well as the number of colonies in the cultures.Study limitations The study used a small sample size and the subspecies were not identified. Conclusions Patients with clinical manifestations of seborrheic dermatitis have larger amounts of Malassezia. Further studies need to be performed to analyze if the greater amount is related to imbalances in the microbiota of the skin.

Dermatitis facial por Malassezia pachydermatis / Facial dermatitis caused by Malassezia pachydermatis

Se presenta un caso de dermatitis facial por Malassezia pachydermatis en un paciente de 34 años de edad, diagnosticado mediante clínica y estudio micológico. M. pachydermatis es una levadura que forma parte de la microbiota de mamíferos domésticos y animales salvajes, donde frecuentemente puede provocar dermatitis y otitis externa. En humanos, son escasas las infecciones por este agente, describiéndose desde infecciones superficiales hasta fungemias. En Chile se la ha encontrado como agente causal de pitiriasis versicolor y dermatitis seborreica principalmente en pacientes inmunocomprometidos.

We present a clinical case of facial dermatitis due to Malassezia pachydermatis in a patient of 34 years old, diagnosed by clinical and micology study. M. pachydermatis is a zoofilic yeast that is part of the microbiota of domestic mammals and wild animals, frequently causing dermatitis and external otitis. In humans, infections by this agent are very scarce, describing from superficial infections to fungemias. In Chile it has been found as causal agent of pitiriasis versicolor and seborrheic dermatitis mainly in inmunocompromised patients.

Especies del género Malassezia en piel sana de niños y adolecentes con VIH-SIDA / Malassezia species on healthy skin of children and teens with HIV / AIDS

Antecedentes: Las especies del género Malassezia forman parte de la biota cutánea normal humana y pueden ser aisladas en áreas ricas en glándulas sebáceas. Su colonización es alta durante edad prepuberal y puberal debido al aumento de actividad de dichas glándulas. Objetivo: Determinar la colonización por especies del género Malassezia en piel sana de niños y adolescentes con VIH/SIDA. Metodología: Las muestras fueron tomadas mediante el método de la impronta con cinta adhesiva transparente, en cuero cabelludo, pabellón auricular, pecho, espalda, muslo, antebrazo, palma de la mano e inoculadas en el medio con base de goma Spondia dulcis. La identificación de las especies se realizó siguiendo las claves descritas por Guého et al. Se realizó el test de difusión en tween propuesto por Guillot et al, la prueba de la catalasa, y la utilización de triptófano como fuente única de nitrógeno. Resultados: De un total de 80 niños y adolescentes, solo 23(28.75 por ciento) de ellos se les aisló Malassezia. 10 (43.48 por ciento) de sexo masculino y 13 (56.52 por ciento) de sexo femenino. Solo se encontró, Malassezia sympodialis con un predominio del 100 por ciento. Correspondiendo al mayor porcentaje de positividad al grupo etario de 4-7 años (56.52 por ciento). Las localizaciones anatómicas predominantes fueron: pabellón auricular (25.5 por ciento) seguida de pecho (21.3 por ciento) y espalda (19.1 por ciento). Conclusiones: En niños con HIV/SIDA se observa un patrón de colonización por M. sympodialis.

Background: Malassezia species are part of the normal human skin biota and can be isolated from different body areas, mainly those rich in sebaceous glands. Colonization is high during prepuberal and puberal for the increased activity of the sebaceous glands. Aims: Determine the colonization by Malassezia species in healthy skin of children and teenagers with HIV/AIDS. Methods: Samples were taken using imprint method with transparent adhesive tape, were taken from scalp, ear, chest, back, thigh, forearm and palm; were inoculated in Spondias dulcis medium. The species identification was performed according the instructions described by Guého et al, Tween diffusion test proposed by Guillot et al, catalase test, and the use of tryptophan as only source of nitrogen. Results: From a total of 80 children and teenagers, only 23 (28.75 percent) of them were isolated Malassezia. 10 (43.48 percent) were from males and 13 (56.52 percent) from females. Found only Malassezia sympodialis with a prevalence of 100 percent. Corresponding to the higher percentage of positivity the age group 4-7 years (56.52 percent). The predominant anatomical locations were: ear (25.5 percent) followed by chest (21.3 percent) and back (19.1 percent) respectively. Conclusions: In children with HIV / AIDS colonization pattern observed is the present of M. sympodialis.

Aislamiento e identificación fenotípica y genotípica de cepas de Malassezia spp. en pacientes con pitiriasis versicolor / Isolation and identification phenotypic and genotypic strains of Malassezia spp. in patients with pytiriasis versicolor

Antecedentes: Pitiriasis versicolor (PV) es una infección micótica superficial crónica de la piel, debido a la colonización del estrato córneo por Malassezia sp. Tradicionalmente M. furfur era considerada el agente causal de PV, hoy en día se ha demostrado que las especies de Malassezia más comunes cultivadas a partir de de lesiones de PV son M. globosa y M. sympodialis. Objetivos: Evaluar la epidemiología de la dermatomicosis PV, en pacientes de la ciudad de Talca, Chile. Metodología: En este estudio, 19 pacientes diagnosticados con PV fueron evaluados. Se realizó identificación fenotípica e identificación molecular por técnica de PCR-RFLP. Para esto, se diseñaron partidores que amplificaron una zona del 26S ADNr presente en todas las especies de Malassezia. Resultados: De un total de 19 pacientes con PV, 7 correspondieron a sexo masculino (36,8 por ciento) y 12 a sexo femenino (63,2 por ciento). Se obtuvieron 18 cepas, a partir de las pruebas fenotípicas fue posible identificar presuntivamente 11 especies de M. globosa (61,1 por ciento) y 7 especies de M. sympodialis (38,9 por ciento). Con los resultados obtenidos en la PCR-RFLP fue posible identificar 11 especies de M. globosa (61,1 por ciento) y 7 especies (38,9 por ciento) de M. sympodialis. Conclusiones: La especie identificada fenotípicamente y molecularmente en mayor proporción fue Malassezia globosa seguida de Malassezia sympodialis. Por lo que hay concordancia entre ambas técnicas de identificación. Este es el primer trabajo de investigación realizado en Talca, Chile, que identificó las especies de Malassezia spp. involucradas en PV, siendo un aporte al estudio de este cuadro clínico.

Background: Pytiriasis versicolor (PV) is a fungal infection of the skin due to the stratum corneum colonization by Malassezia sp. M. furfur traditionally was considered the etiological agent of PV but today it has been shown that M. globosa and M. sympodialis are the most common Malassezia species cultivated from PV lesions. Objective: To evaluate the epidemiological features of PV in patient of the Talca city, Chile. Method: In this study, 19 patients with diagnosis of PV were evaluated. Phenotypic and molecular identified were performed using PCR-RFLP. To do this, primers to amplify 26S ADNr secuence were designed. Result: From a total of 19 patients who presented PV, 7 were male (36.8 percent) and 12 female patients (63.2 percent). Eighteen strains were obtained, from the phenotypic tests, it was possible to presumably identify 11 species of M. globosa (61.1 percent) and 7 species of M. sympodialis (38.9 percent). With PCRRFLP results it was possible to identify 11 species of M. globosa (61.1 percent) and 7 species (38.9 percent) of M. sympodialis. Conclusion: The most commonly isolated species were Malassezia globosa followed by Malassezia sympodialis. So, there is agreement between both techniques of identification. This is the first research work carried out in Talca, Chile, which identified the species of Malassezia spp. Involved in PV, being a contribution to the clinical diagnosis.

Is Malassezia nana the main species in horses' ear canal microbiome?

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to characterize genotypically Malassezia spp. isolated from the external ear canal of healthy horses. Fifty-five horses, 39 (70.9%) males and 16 (29.1%) females, from different breeds and adults were studied. External ear canals were cleaned and a sterile cotton swab was introduced to collect cerumen. A total of 110 samples were cultured into Dixon medium and were incubated at 32 °C for up to 15 days. Macro- and micromorphology and phenotypic identification were performed. DNA was extracted, strains were submitted to polymerase chain reaction technique, and the products obtained were submitted to Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism using the restriction enzymes BstCI and HhaI. Strains were sent off to genetic sequencing of the regions 26S rDNA D1/D2 and ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 rDNA. Malassezia spp. were isolated from 33/55 (60%) animals and 52/110 (47%) ear canals. No growth on Sabouraud dextrose agar was observed, confirming the lipid dependence of all strains. Polymerase chain reaction-Restriction fragment length polymorphism permitted the molecular identification of Malassezia nana - 42/52 (81%) and Malassezia slooffiae - 10/52 (19%). Sequencing confirmed RFLP identification. It was surprising that M. nana represented over 80% of the strains and no Malassezia equina was isolated in this study, differing from what was expected.

Isolamento microbiológico do canal auditivo de cães saudáveis e com otite externa na região metropolitana de Recife, Pernambuco / Microbiological isolation from the ear canal of healthy dogs and with otitis externa in the metropolitan region of Recife, Pernambuco

Otite externa (OE) é o termo utilizado para definir a inflamação do conduto auditivo externo; esta doença possui diversas etiologias, ocorre em várias espécies e é particularmente frequente em cães. Os microrganismos da microbiota residente comumente estão envolvidos na etiopatogenia da OE, sendo apontados como agentes perpetuadores da doença. O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar o perfil microbiológico de cães com conduto auditivo saudável e com otite na região metropolitana do Recife. Com o auxílio de suabes estéreis foram coletadas amostras das orelhas direita e esquerda de 41 cães, sendo 11 com OE e 30 sem OE. Foi realizado o isolamento bacteriano e fúngico das amostras cultivadas; observou-se positividade em 80% dos cães com orelhas saudáveis e presença de mais de um microrganismo em 38 amostras (63,3%); já nos cães com OE, a positividade foi 95,3%, com infecção polimicrobiana em 77,3% das amostras. No que se refere aos gêneros bacterianos, o perfil de isolamento microbiológico foi idêntico entre os cães otopatas e sadios. Os microrganismos isolados foram Staphylococcus sp., Micrococcus, Bacillus sp., Streptococcus sp. e Malassezia sp.

Otitis externa (OE) is the term used to describe inflammation of the external ear canal. This disease has many etiologies, occurs in several species and is particularly common in dogs. The resident microbiota microorganisms are commonly involved in the OE etiopathogenesis, being frequently appointed as perpetuator agents. The aim of this study was to investigate the microbiological profile of dogs with healthy ears and of others with otitis in the metropolitan region of Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil. With the aid of sterile swabs, samples of right and left ear of 41 dogs, 11 with and 30 without OE, were collected. Bacterial and fungal isolation was performed with cultured samples; positivity was observed in 80% of animals with healthy ears, with the presence of more than one microrganism in 38 samples (63.3%), whereas in dogs with OE, the positivity was 95.3% with polymicrobial infection in 77.3% samples. With regard to the genus, the microbiological profile was identical between healthy and diseased dogs. The microrganisms isolated were Staphylococcus sp., Micrococcus, Bacillus sp., Streptococcus sp. and Malassezia sp.

Especies del género malassezia aisladas en pacientes con psoriasis y sujetos controles sanos / Species of the genus Malassezia isolated in patients with psoriasis and healthy control subjects

La Psoriasis es una enfermedad crónica de la piel, de etiología y patogenia aún desconocida. Se ha propuesto una posible asociación entre la levadura Malassezia y la exacerbación de lesiones cutáneas en pacientes con psoriasis. OBJETIVO: Determinar frecuencia y distribución de especies de Malassezia en pacientes con psoriasis y en un grupo control sano. MATERIAL Y MÉTODO: Se evaluaron 25 pacientes con psoriasis y 55 sanos como grupo control. Se recolectó muestras de piel de 4 sitios anatómicos y se realizó un examen microscópico directo (EMD) con recuento de levaduras y cultivo en medio de Dixon modificado. Las levaduras aisladas se identificaron según características macro y micromorfológicas y pruebas bioquímicas. RESULTADOS: Un total de 396 muestras de escamas de piel de 4 sitios anatómicos obtenidas de 80 pacientes (55 sanos y 25 con psoriasis). Un 67,5% (54/80) de los pacientes presentaron un EMD positivo y la tasa de recuperación por cultivo fue 58,7% (47/80). De las 396 muestras analizadas, un 28 % (111/396) fueron positivas al EMD y un 25,2% (100/396) al cultivo. Las especies aisladas fueron: M. furfur, M. globosa, M. slooffiae y M. sympodialis. CONCLUSIONES: La presencia de Malassezia en la muestra global fue 77,5 %. El sitio anatómico más afectado fue espalda y pecho y las especies identificadas corresponden a las descritas en la literatura internacional, en sujetos sanos y con psoriasis, pero con diferente frecuencia. Se requerirán estudios adicionales para ayudar a dilucidar el posible rol de Malassezia en la exacerbación de lesiones en los pacientes con psoriasis.

Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease of unknown etiology. A possible association between psoriasis exacerbation and Malassezia species has been proposed. AIM: To determine the frequency and distribution of Malassezia species in psoriasis patients and a healthy control group. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 25 psoriatic patients and 55 healthy controls were studied. In each one of them skin scrapings samples were collected, from 4 anatomical sites. KOH yeast count and culture in modified Dixon agar were done. The isolated yeasts were identified according to macroscopic, microscopic and physiologic features. RESULTS: In 80 patients (55 healthy and 25 psoriatic), a total of 396 skin scrapings samples from 4 different anatomical sites were obtained. A total of 67.5% of the patients presented a positive KOH, and the recovery rate per culture was 58.7%. Out of the 396 analyzed samples, 28% (111/396) resulted positive to microscopic examination and 25,2% (100/396) positive on culture. The isolated species were: M. furfur, M globosa, M. slooffiae y M. sympodialis. CONCLUSIONS: The global frequency of Malassezia in the studied sample was 77.5%. It was more frequently detected on the posterior trunk and chest. We found the same species reported worldwide, in healthy and psoriatic patients, but in different frequency. Further research will be needed to clarify a possible role of this yeast on the exacerbation of skin lesions in psoriatic patients.

Identificación de especies de Malassezia aisladas de piel sana en pobladores de Lima, Perú / Identification of Malassezia species isolated from healthy skin in residents of Lima, Peru

Objetivo: Identificar las especies de Malassezia en zonas seborreicas de piel sana en población limeña. Diseño: Estudio descriptivo transversal. Lugar: Instituto de Medicina Tropical æDaniel Alcides CarriónÆ, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima, Perú. Participantes: Pobladores asintomáticos. Intervenciones: Empleando la técnica de Mariat y Adan-Campos, se recolectó muestras de piel de 129 pobladores asintomáticos de diversos distritos de la ciudad de Lima. El aislamiento de Malassezia se realizó en medio Dixon modificado e incubado a 32 grados centígrados por 7 días, la identificación de las colonias por sus características macro y micromorfológicas, y la tipificación mediante el estudio de las propiedades bioquímicas y fisiológicas según la técnica de Guillot y col. Principales medidas de resultados: Especie de Malassezia, sexo, edad y región anatómica. Resultados: Se aisló Malassezia spp en 43,4 por ciento de los pobladores, obteniéndose 49,2 por ciento en varones y 37,5 por ciento en mujeres. De las diferentes regiones corporales, 68 cultivos fueron positivos: cuero cabelludo 31 (45,6 por ciento), espalda 36 (52,9 por ciento) y región frontal 1 (1,5 por ciento). El grupo etario con mayor frecuencia de aislamientos (47,2 por ciento) fue el de 14 a 25 años (adolescentes jóvenes). M. slooffiae fue encontrado en 83,8 por ciento y M. obtusa en 16,2 por ciento de los casos. Conclusiones: Se encontró Malassezia spp. en la piel humana sana. M. slooffiae fue la especie predominante de los casos positivos (83,8 por ciento) seguido de M. obtusa (16,2 por ciento)...

Objective: To identify Malassezia species in healthy skin seborrhea areas in Lima inhabitants. Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: Daniel Alcides Carrion Tropical Medicine Institute, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima, Peru. Participants: Asymptomatic persons. Interventions: Skin samples were collected from 129 asymptomatic residents of several districts of Lima city using Mariat and Adan-CamposÆ technique. Malassezia isolation was performed in modified Dixon medium and incubated at 32 grades centigrades for 7 days. Colonies were identified by macro and micro morphological characteristics and typing was determined by biochemical and physiological properties using GuillotÆs technique. Main outcome measures: Malassezia species, participantsÆ gender, age and anatomical region. Results: Malassezia spp was isolated in 43.4 per cent of the residents, 49.2 per cent in men and 37.5 per cent in women. From various body regions 68 cultures were positive: scalp 31 (45.6 per cent), back 36 (52.9 per cent) and frontal region 1 (1.5 per cent). Isolates most common age group (47.2 per cent) was that of adolescents-young (14-25 year-old). M. slooffiae was found in 83.8 per cent and M. obtusa in 16.2 per cent of cases. Conclusions: Malassezia spp. was present in healthy human skin. M. slooffiae was the predominant species in positive cases (83.8 per cent) followed by M. obtusa (16.2 per cent)...

Atividade antifúngica do óleo essencial de Origanum vulgare frente a Malassezia pachydermatis / Antifungal activity of Origanum vulgare essential oil against Malassezia pachydermatis

Objetivou-se com este estudo avaliar a atividade antifúngica in vitro do óleo essencial de Origanum vulgare frente a isolados clínicos de Malassezia pachydermatis. As folhas secas de O. vulgare foram adquiridas de distribuidor comercial com certificado de qualidade e origem e encaminhadas para extração do óleo essencial e cromatografia. Para realização do teste in vitro, foi utilizada a técnica de microdiluição em caldo (CLSI M27A3) com modificações para fitofármacos e M. pachydermatis. O óleo essencial de orégano foi testado nas concentrações de 28 a 0,87mg/mL diluído em caldo Sabouraud com 1% de tween 80. Todos os isolados foram testados em duplicata. Na análise cromatográfica do óleo essencial, foram identificados 12 compostos, sendo timol, a-terpineno e 4-terpineol os compostos majoritários. A CIM e a CFM dos 42 isolados de M. pachydermatis variaram de <0,87 a 7mg/mL, com valores de CIM50 e CIM90 de 1,18 e 3,28mg/mL, respectivamente. Com este estudo foi possível concluir que M. pachydermatis é sensível ao óleo essencial de orégano mesmo em concentrações baixas. Dessa maneira, o óleo essencial de orégano apresenta-se como promissor na bioprospecção de novos fármacos para o tratamento das otites e dermatites na clínica de pequenos animais...

The aim of this study was to evaluate the in vitro antifungal activity of essential oil of Origanum vulgare against clinical isolates of Malassezia pachydermatis. The dried leaves of O. vulgare were purchased from a commercial distributor with certified quality and origin and referred for essential oil extraction and chromatography. The technique for in vitro testing was microdilution (CLSI M27A3) with modifications to phytochemicals and M. pachydermatis. The essential oil of O. vulgare was tested at concentrations from 28 to 0.87mg/mL in Sabouraud broth diluted with 1% of tween 80. All isolates were tested in duplicate. In the chromatographic analysis of the essential oil 12 compounds were identified, and thymol, α-terpinene, 4-terpineol were the major compounds. The MIC and the MFC of the 42 isolates of M. pachydermatis ranged from <0.87 to 7mg/mL with MIC50 and MIC90 values of 1.18 and 3.28 mg/mL, respectively. With this study it was concluded that M. pachydermatis is sensible to O. vulgare essential oil even at low concentrations. Thus, the essential oil of O. vulgare is presented as bioprospecting in the promising new drugs for the treatment of otitis and dermatitis in small animal clinic...

Susceptibility variation of Malassezia pachydermatis to antifungal agents according to isolate source

Malassezia pachydermatisis associated with dermatomycoses and otomycosis in dogs and cats. This study compared the susceptibility of M. pachydermatis isolates from sick (G1) and healthy (G2) animals to azole and polyene antifungals using the M27-A3 protocol. Isolates from G1 animals were less sensitive to amphotericin B, nystatin, fluconazole, clotrimazole and miconazole.

Exuberant clinical presentation of probable Malassezia folliculitis in a young nonimmunosuppressed patient / Apresentação clinica exuberante de provável foliculite por Malassezia em jovem imunocompetente

Malassezia folliculitis is an inflammatory disorder observed in both immunocompetent and immunosuppressed patients. The authors describe an unusual and exuberant presumed case affecting the face, trunk and upper limbs of a 12-year-old nonimmunosuppressed patient. Although the agent was not identified by culture, the clinical and histopathological aspects plus the response to specific treatment support the diagnosis of Malassezia folliculitis. The only possible predisponent cause observed on the patient was greasy skin. Repetitive cultures were negative. Treatment with itraconazol promoted apparent cure, however, the patient relapsed twelve months later.

Foliculite por Malassezia é processo inflamatório observado em pacientes imunocompetentes e imunossuprimidos. Os autores relatam um provável caso exuberante e incomum comprometendo a face, tronco e membros superiores de paciente de 12 anos de idade, não imunossuprimido. Embora o agente não tenha sido cultivado, os achados clínicos e histopatológicos aliados à resposta terapêutica sugerem o diagnóstico de foliculite por Malassezia. A única possivel causa predisponente demonstrada no paciente foi a pele oleosa. Tentativas de cultivo do agente foram negativas. O tratamento com itraconazol promoveu cura aparente, entretanto, houve recaída após 12 meses.

Novos aspectos na evolução clínica da pitiríase versicolor / New aspects in the clinical course of pityriasis versicolor

FUNDAMENTO: A pitiríase versicolor é uma doença infecciosa causada por várias espécies de Malassezia com uma tendência a se tornar recidivante ou crônica. OBJETIVOS: Este trabalho foi conduzido na tentativa de conhecer a evolução clínica da pitiríase versicolor em relação ao número de recidivas após um tratamento adequado no período de 12 meses e correlacionar o número de recidivas com as espécies de Malassezia isoladas. MATERIAL E MÉTODOS: Cento e dois pacientes com diagnóstico clínico e laboratorial de pitiríase versicolor foram acompanhados por um período de 12 meses para observarmos o número de recidivas da doença. RESULTADOS: A pitiríase versicolor, após um tratamento adequado, apresentou três tipos de evolução clínica num período de 12 meses: pitiríase versicolor sem nenhum episódio de recidiva (32,35 por cento); pitiríase versicolor recidivante, com um a quatro episódios de recidiva (52,94 por cento) devidos a fatores de predisposição relacionados; e pitiríase versicolor crônica, com mais de quatro episódios de recidiva (14,70 por cento) sem nenhuma relação com fatores de predisposição. CONCLUSÕES: A pitiríase versicolor apresentou uma evolução clínica de acordo com o número de episódios de recidiva da doença analisados durante um período de 12 meses que pode ser considerada da seguinte maneira: pitiríase versicolor com cura clínica e micológica, pitiríase versicolor recidivante e pitiríase versicolor crônica.

BACKGROUND: Pytiriasis versicolor is an infectious disease caused by several Malassezia species which has a tendency to become relapsing or chronic. OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted in an attempt to investigate the clinical course of pityriasis versicolor with regard to the number of relapses after a 12-month therapy and correlate this number with isolates of Malassezia species. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 102 patients with clinical and laboratory diagnosis of pityriasis versicolor were monitored for 12 months to investigate the number of relapsing episodes of the disease. RESULTS: After appropriate treatment, pityriasis versicolor presented three types of clinical course: pity - riasis versicolor without relapsing episodes (32.35 percent), relapsing pityriasis versicolor with one to four relapsing episodes (52.94 percent ) due to associated predisposing factors, and chronic pityriasis versicolor with more than four relapsig episodes (14.70 percent) with no relation to predisposing factors. CONCLUSIONS: The clinical course of pityriasis versicolor varied according to the number of relapsing episodes of the disease analyzed over a period of 12 months and can be classified as follows: pityriasis versiolor with clinical and mycological clearing, relapsing pityriasis versicolor and chronic pityriasis versicolor.

Identificação de espécies de malassésia na pitiríase versicolor em um serviço de dermatologia do sul do Brasil / Identification of Malassezia yeast species isolated from patients with pityriasis versicolor

A pitiríase versicolor é uma doença de distribuição universal. Existe a descrição de 12 espécies de malassezia. O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar quais as espécies de malassezia mais prevalentes nos pacientes com pitiríase versicolor. Foram realizadas as coletas através de raspado das lesões nos pacientes com suspeita clínica de pitiríase versicolor e posterior exame micológico e cultural para identificação final da espécie. Foram coletadas amostras de 87 pacientes. Quanto às culturas, 30 percent foram de Malassezia sympodialis, 25,7 percent de Malassezia furfur, 22,7 percent de Malassezia globosa, 12,1 percent de Malassezia retrita, 7,6 percent de Malassezia obtusa e 1,5 percent de Malassezia sloofiae.

Pityriasis versicolor (PV) is a disease with worldwide distribution. Twelve different species of Malassezia yeast have been described. The objective of this study was to determine which species of Malassezia are more prevalent in patients with pityriasis versicolor. Samples were collected by scraping the lesions of 87 patients with a clinical suspicion of pityriasis versicolor. The samples were then submitted to fungal microscopy and culture to identify the species. The species found were: Malassezia sympodialis (30 percent), Malassezia furfur (25.7 percent), Malassezia globosa (22.7 percent), Malassezia restricta (12.1 percent), Malassezia obtusa (7.6 percent) and Malassezia slooffiae (1.5 percent).

Pitiriasis versicolor por Malassezia pachydermatis: caso clínico / Pityriasis versicolor caused by Malassezia pachydermatis: clinical case

Se presenta un caso clínico de pitiriasis versicolor por M. pachydermatis en una paciente de 11 años de edad, diagnosticado mediante clínica, morfofisiología y biología molecular. Malassezia pachydermatis es parte de la microbiota común de diversos mamíferos domésticos y animales salvajes. En éstos se reconoce como agente causal de dermatitis y otitis externa. En humanos se han descrito escasas infecciones ya sea superficiales como invasoras, lo que puede atribuirse a la difícil transmisión y adaptación a partir de los animales domésticos. Se comentan los aspectos biológicos y epidemiológicos de esta infección zoonótica.

A clinical case of pityriasis versicolor caused by M. pachydermatis in an 11 year old patient which was diagnosed by means of clinic, morphophysiology and molecular biology is presented. Malassezia pachydermatis is part of regular microbiota in several domestic mammals as well as wild animals. It is recognized as the causing agent of dermatitis and external otitis in the latter. As to human beings, superficial infections have rarely been given an invasive character what can be explained by the difficult transmission and adaptation coming from domestic animals. Biological and epidemiological aspects of this zoonotic infection are described.

Pitiríase versicolor circinada: isolamento de Malassezia sympodialis: relato de caso / Pityriasis versicolor circinata: isolation of Malassezia sympodialis: case report

Os autores descrevem caso de pitiríase versicolor circinada, cujo agente etiológico isolado foi Malassezia sympodialis em uma mulher de 34 anos. O isolamento e identificação da Malassezia sympodialis foi em ágar Dixon modificado e o método molecular para confirmação da espécie foi PCR-RFLP (polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis).

The authors report a case of pityriasis versicolor circinata whose isolated etiologic agent was Malassezia sympodialis in a 34-year-old woman. The isolation and identification of Malassezia sympodialis were accomplished with modified Dixon's agar, and the molecular method used to confirm the species was polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis (PCR-RFLP).

Pitiríase versicolor: isolamento e identificação das principais espécies de Malassezia / Pityriasis versicolor: isolation and identification of the main species

As espécies do gênero Malassezia isoladas foram: Malassezia sympodialis (16,66 por cento), Malassezia furfur (12,50 por cento), Malassezia globosa (11,45 por cento) e Malassezia slooffiae (2,10 por cento). 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.

Species of the genus Malassezia isolated were: Malassezia sympodialis (16.66 percent), Malassezia furfur (12.50 percent), Malassezia globosa (11.45 percent), and Malassezia slooffiae (2.10 percent). Malassezia sympodialis predominated in the study. The species of Malassezia identified did not show correlation with clinical variants and with the distribution of pityriasis versicolor lesions in relation to areas of the body.

Identification of malassezia species from Tunisian patients with pityriasis versicolor

Pityriasis versicolor is caused by Malassezia sp. It is a common worldwide mycosis. Recently, eleven species are known of the Malassezia genus, and are identified in vitro by their morphological characteristics, biochemical tests and by molecular biology. Of this study is the identification of Malassezia species from Tunisian patients with pityriasis versicolor. Specimens were taken from 58 patients with pityriasis versicolor. All samples were both inoculated in Sabouraud dextrose agar and Sabouraud agar overlaid with olive oil. Malassezia species were identified by morphological and physiological. Macroscopy, microscopy, catalase, urease and lipid assimilation tests. We have isolated five Malassezia species: Malassezia globosa being isolated in 76.2%of patients, followed by Malassezia furfur [9.55%], Malassezia sympodialis [4.75%], Malassezia sympodialis [4.75%] and Malassezia pachydermaties [4.75%]. In our study Malassezia globosa presents the main species implicated in the pathogenicity of pityriasis versicolor and Malassezia furfur as the second agent of importance

Colonización por levaduras en piel sana de recien nacidos / Yeast colonization on healthy skin in newborns

En el niño recién nacido la colonización por especies de levaduras puede ser el precursor de una infección clínica. En esta investigación se evaluó la colonización por levaduras en piel de neonatos nacidos a término en las primeras 48 horas del nacimiento. Las muestras de piel, de 100 niños, se tomaron de diferentes regiones anatómicas. Se empleó el método de la impronta con cinta plástica transparente. Se realizó un examen directo con azul de metileno (0,25 por ciento) y se cultivó en los medios Sabouraud Dextrosa Agar y Dixon con antibióticos. La identificación de los aislados se hizo según metodología clásica. Los resultados indican que los neonatos presentaron una colonización por levaduras en un 45 por ciento. Se observó una colonización baja por Malassezia furfur (5 por ciento) y el predominio de Candida parapsilosis (87,9 por ciento). Esta especie de Candida fue aislada en un 54,2 por ciento cuando el nacimiento fue por cesárea y, 33,7 por ciento cuando fue por parto. El alto porcentaje de colonización por C. parapsilosis tanto en los niños nacidos por parto como por cesárea podría deberse a la trasmisión horizontal a partir de las manos del personal de salud que los atiende

In the newborn, colonization by yeast species may be the precursor for a clinical infection. This study assessed yeast colonization on the skin of term infants during the first 48 hours after birth. Skin samples of 100 children were taken from different anatomical regions. The stamp method with transparent plastic tape was used. A direct test with methylene blue (0.25 percent) was made and cultured in Sabouraud dextrose agar and Dixon media with antibiotics. Isolates were identified according to classic methodology. Results indicate that 45 percent of the newborns had yeast colonies. Low colonization by Malassezia furfur (5 percent) and the predominance of Candida parapsilosis (87.9 percent) were observed. This species of Candida was isolated in 54.2 percent of births by caesarean section and 33.7 percent of natural births. The high rate of colonization by C. parapsilosis in children born by caesarean as well as normal delivery could be due to horizontal transmission from the hands of health workers taking care of them