Under the Scope
by Dr. Rajiv Sahay
There are over 100,000 species of fungi. Many fungi are good and useful (edible mushrooms would be an example of these) while some cause problems (some fungi can injure plants and humans). Every week the IEQ Review will describe a specific microorganism, its morphological origin and potential health effects. If you would like to know about a specific organism and/or would like it published in The IEQ Review please email Dr. Rajiv Sahay with the Environmental Diagnostics Laboratory (EDL) at Pure Air Control Services laboratory@pureaircontrols.com.
This week we will cover...
Malassezia spp.
 Malassezia infections are mostly endogenous and originate from the colonized skin. The most common clinical picture caused by Malassezia furfur is pityriasis versicolor. It may also cause seborrheic dermatitis, folliculitis, neonatal pustulosis, blepharitis, and white piedra. Given the lipophilic nature of the fungus, fungemia, catheter-related infections and sepsis due to Malassezia furfur may occur particularly in patients who are on parenteral nutrition with lipids. Noteworthy, colonization of the catheters with Malassezia may occur in absence of lipid administration as well. Malassezia globosa and Malassezia sympodialis are also common causes of pityriasis versicolor in humans. Malassezia pachydermatis is a distinctive species due to its well-known zoophilic nature. It causes canine otitis externa and is prevalent in carnivores. However, according to current knowledge, Malassezia pachydermatis is not the only Malassezia species associated with infections or colonization in animals. Some lipid-dependent species of Malassezia may also be isolated as occasional causes of canine otitis externa. Malassezia pachydermatis may cause disseminated infections in humans as well.
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