Genotype Analysis of the rRNA Gene of Malassezia Colonizing the Skin Surface of Patients with Atopic Dermatitis

Abstract

Malassezia species are associated with pityriasis (tinea) versicolor, seborrheic dermatitis, and atopic dermatitis. Presently, eleven species are accepted in the genus Malassezia. Of these, M. globosa and M. restricta colonize the skin surface in atopic dermatitis patients, suggesting that they play a significant role in exacerbating the condition. The two species have different genotypes in the intergenic spacer (IGS) region of the rRNA gene, which correspond to patients and healthy individuals. In addition, the antifungal susceptibilities of the genotypic strains to itraconazole and ketoconazole differ. We found a new analytically significant role of the rRNA gene in Malassezia species, in addition to its use for fungal taxonomy and identification.