Abstract

CRUZ, R; VIEILLE, P  and  CARVAJAL, L. Malassezia pachydermatis on skin lesions in patients from the  Fifth region of Chile. Rev. argent. dermatol. [online]. 2014, vol.95, n.4, pp.1-5. ISSN 1851-300X.

Introduction: M. pachydermatis is a zoophilic yeast that can cause pityriasis versicolor and seborrheic dermatitis. Objectives: to determine the presence of M. pachydermatis in patients with pityriasis versicolor and seborrheic dermatitis, in addition to evaluating the performance of direct microscopic examination and culture in these infections. Materials and Method: a prospective descriptive study conducted in the Carlos van Buren Hospital in Valparaíso, Chile, during the period 2011-2013. Patients with clinical diagnosis of pityriasis versicolor and seborrheic dermatitis were selected. Mycological confirmation was made with direct microscopic examination and / or culture, and special tests. Results: 66 patients entered the study. 60.6% were men, with an average age of 43 years. 70% with HIV (+). 90.9% had pityriasis versicolor (mostly hypopigmented in the trunk) and seborrheic dermatitis 9%. Direct microscopic examination was positive in 95.4% of cases and 62.12% of the cultures. The most frequent species was M. pachydermatis, followed by M. furfur. Of the patients: 50 were treated topically with 15 more systemic plus topical and 1 was untreated. Conclusions: most patients admitted to this study were men, HIV (+) and hypopigmented pityriasis versicolor lesions in the trunk. The most frequent species was M. pachydermatis. Topical treatment was the most appropriate.

Keywords : Malassezia pachydermatis; Pityriasis; Dermatitis; HIV.