Malassezia

It has become easier to recognize colony characteristics!

Malassezia is known as the causative agent of "tinea versicolor," which has a high incidence rate following human ringworm and skin candidiasis. It is also known to be involved in the development of Malassezia folliculitis, Malassezia intertrigo, seborrheic dermatitis, and dandruff. Furthermore, it has been shown to cause deep-seated fungal infections in immunocompromised patients (such as neonates) receiving long-term central venous nutrition, particularly high-nutrition infusions containing lipids. Additionally, it has gained attention as an exacerbating factor in atopic dermatitis. Malassezia has a unique nutritional requirement for lipids for its growth, and its culture typically uses media layered with olive oil, such as Sabouraud dextrose agar or potato dextrose agar. However, isolating the target fungus is challenging with olive oil layering, so we propose "Chromoagar Malassezia/Candida," which incorporates lipid components as an emulsion in the medium. With the transition to a plate medium, it has become applicable for tape methods, and we have received reports that it is very easy to isolate.

Chemicals