Malassezia species: the underrated resident of human skin

Albanova V.I.

I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia

Malassezia spp. are lipophilic and lipidodependent fungi that are part of the microbiota of the normal human skin. Malassezia spp. exists in two forms – micelial and yeast. Remarkable progress has been made in our knowledge of this genus in skin diseases recently. Under favorable conditions (high sebum and sweat excretion, impaired skin barrier), Malassezia spp. can proliferate, turn from yeast to micelial form, invade epidermis and induce or aggravate skin diseases, such as pityriasis versicolor, seborrheic dermatitis, Malassezia folliculitis, atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, acne, rosacea and others.   Revealing of yeasts and positive related specific tests (IgE antibodies and positive skin tests in atopic dermatitis) helps to cope with exacerbation using antifungal therapy.