[Species differentiation of yeasts of the genus Malassezia with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy].

BACKGROUND

83 Malassezia strains (65 wild isolates and 18 reference strains) were differentiated to the species level using conventional methods including morphological and biochemical features. These strains were further analyzed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IRS).

RESULTS

FT-IRS analysis allowed a clear separation of Malassezia strains according to species-specific cluster formation. The main differences were found between Malassezia furfur and other Malassezia species. In addition, within the species Malassezia furfur, a separation in two similar groups could be demonstrated. A disadvantage of FT-IRS is the relatively expensive apparatus. A great advantage is the speed and simplicity of the procedure, producing results within minutes.

CONCLUSION

In pityriasis versicolor, Malassezia globosa was the dominant species found in 62% of cases. In addition, Malassezia furfur was found in 60% of dandruff cases.