Identification of Malassezia Species in Seborrheic Dermatitis Patients by CHROM Agar-Medium

Abstract Background Seborrheic dermatitis (SD) is a subacute or chronic superficial inflammatory skin condition, characterized by pruritic, erythematous plaques with greasy, yellow-gray scales, which appear on areas rich in sebaceous glands such as the face, scalp, upper chest, and back. Aim of the Work To identify Malassezia species that are involved in the development of SD in different body sites (face, scalp and trunk) and in different age groups, by using Chrom agar. Patients and Methods Forty nine patients with seborrheic dermatitis attending dermatology outpatient clinic in Ain shams university hospital the samples collected from December 2018 to June 2019. Results In this study, the most affected areas were the scalp and other sites as face and ears, which is concordant with the majority of studies worldwide. The role of sex in propensity to the development of Malassezia spp. Infection in SD is still unclear. Conclusion The distribution of Malassezia spp. on healthy and diseased skin shows significant variation and differences, although our knowledge of Malassezia yeasts has increased tremendously during the last two decades, their pathological roles remain ambiguous, and there is currently no conclusive evidence that any given species is responsible for a specific disease.