Clinical and Mycological Study of Pityriasis Versicolor in Relation to Species

Abstract

Background: Pityriasis versicolor is a superficial infection of the skin caused by the yeast of Malassezia sp. genus. Although the disease has been described at the beginning of the 19th century, classification of its etiological agent was a matter of debate. There is only scanty information about the epidemiology and ecology of Malassezia species available and the clinical significance of the species is not completely recognized. Aims: To evaluate the clinical & epidemiological pattern and to isolate different species of Malassezia. Also to assess the correlation between a particular species and different colors of the lesion. Results: In this study young people of both sex are most commonly affected. Most of the lesion are hypo-pigmented and affect the upper part of the body. A few flexural lesions are also seen. M. dermatis is the most commonly isolated species. No significant association with the color of the lesion and a species was found. Limitation: Small sample size and difficulty to maintain the culture are two major limitations of this study. Conclusion: M. dermatis was found as the most common species in patients with Pityriasis versicolor. Further studies about species and antifungal sensitivity will help to treat the disease better.