Antifungal Susceptibility Pattern of Malassezia sp. Isolated from the North-East Region of India

Malassezia comprises lipophilic yeasts which are considered as commensals of the skin and become pathogenic under certain conditions. One hundred and forty-four specimens from clinically suspected cas¬es of pityriasis versicolor were collected and processed microbiologically. Malassezia sp. was identified phenotypically and MIC for common antifungal drugs was performed. Thirty-three percent of the collected specimens were culture positive for Malassezia sp. M. furfur (50%) is the commonest species isolated from pityriasis versicolor cases, followed by M. globosa (35.4%). The study observed low MICs for itraconazole and voriconazole. Itraconazole is the choice of drug for the treatment of Malassezia infection.