[Pityriasis versicolor in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. In vivo morphological data of Malasezzia spp. in 100 cases].

BACKGROUND

Pityriasis versicolor is caused by Malassezia spp. It is a common world wide mycosis. Seven species are known of the Malassezia genus, and are identified in vitro by their morphological characteristics, biochemical tests and by molecular biology.

OBJECTIVES

to determine clinical and epidemiological data of pityriasis versicolor as well as morphological aspects of Malassezia in vivo.

METHODOLOGY: we performed a direct examination of the scales and classified the microscopic mycological elements as oval and orbicular spores, short and long hyphae.

RESULTS

pityriasis versicolor mainly affected the thorax. Orbiculare yeasts and short hyphae frequently present. We could corroborate the wide morphological range of Malassezia spp.

CONCLUSIONS

The morphological study of Malassezia spp. in vivo is not sufficient to determine the distribution of the various species.