RESUMEN
Background & objectives: Malassezia species implicated with dandruff vary at different geographical locations. The present study was conducted to determine the spectrum and distribution of Malassezia species in dandruff patients and healthy individuals. Methods: Patients with dandruff from northern (Chandigarh) and southern (Manipal, Karnataka) parts of India (50 each) and healthy individuals (20) were included in the study. Dandruff severity was graded as mild, moderate and severe. Malassezia spp. isolated were quantified and identified by phenotypic characters and molecular methods including PCR-RFLP and DNA sequencing. Results: Number of Malassezia spp. retrieved was significantly higher (P<0.001) in dandruff cases (84%) as compared to healthy individuals (30%). Isolation of Malassezia spp. was significantly higher (P<0.01) in patients from southern India. In moderately severe cases M. restricta was single most predominant (37.8%) isolate from patients of northern part of India and M. furfur (46.4%) from patients of southern part of India. Malassezia density was significantly associated with the severity of dandruff (P<0.001). Interpretation & conclusions: Our results on a limited number of individuals show that Malassezia spp. associated with dandruff varies in different regions of the country and the density of yeasts increases with severity of disease.
RESUMEN
Colletotrichum graminicola is a medically important fungus belonging to the order Melanconiales under the class Coelomycetes. The members of the genus Colletotrichum are primarily plant pathogens which cause anthracnoses (fungal infection in plants). In the past few decades, they are progressively being implicated as etiological agents of subcutaneous hyalohyphomycoses and keratomycoses. Of the five medically important members in the genus Colletotrichum, keratitis due to Colletotrichum graminicola is rare. We diagnosed Colletotrichum graminicola keratitis in a 44-year-old man who presented with a non-healing corneal ulcer since three weeks. Positive smears and cultures from the corneal scrapings established the causative organism as C. graminicola. The patient was treated with a combination of oral ketoconazole and topical fluconazole and natamycin. Infection resolved over 10 weeks and antimicrobials were stopped. We describe the clinical presentation and treatment outcome of Colletotrichum graminicola keratitis.