The Distribution of Malassezia Species on the Normal Human Skin According to Body Region

Kim, Soon Cheol; Kim, Han Uk

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The seven species Malassezia yeasts are recognized in the genus Malassezia (M.). These species can be isolated from the normal skin of warm-blooded animals including humans and various dermatoses. In Korea, most surveys of Malassezia yeast distribution have been performed without classifying the genus Malassezia into the species.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this work was to study the qualitative distribution of the Malassezia species on the normal human skin to provide a basic data for a study of Malassezia species in patients with various dermatoses.
METHODS
The Malassezia yeasts were cultured from clinically normal skin at four sites in 37 subjects. The isolated yeasts were identified into the species level using the cell types and physiological properties of the species.
RESULTS
Six species of the genus Malassezia, M. furfur, M. sympodialis, M. globosa, M. Obtusa, M. restricta and M. slooffiae, were isolated. M. restricta was found to be predominant on the forehead and scalp. M. globosa was found to be predominant on the chest and back. The incidence of Malassezia yeasts was 78.4% on the scalp, 86.5% on the forehead, 100% on the chest and 97.3% on the back.
CONCLUSION
The results showed a regional variation in the distribution of M, restricta and M, globosa. The information obtained from this study would be of great value in the evaluation of the role of Malassezia species in related diseases.