Abstract

Introduction
Malassezia is a lipophilic dimorphic fungus belonging to the normal flora of human skin which might cause superficial mycosis on humans in the form of pityriasis versicolor and may accompany seborrheic dermatitis. Seborrheic dermatitis may affect adults and infants at the rich in sebaceous glands areas such as face, chest, back and head area.

Aim
This study aims to describe the species of Malassezia species found in pityriasis versicolor and seborrheic dermatitis in Dr. Wahidin Sudirohusodo general hospital and its network hospitals Makassar in 2018.

Method
Cross-sectional study was performed on 29 patients of pityriasis versicolor and 40 patients with seborrheic dermatitis who came for treatment at Dr. Wahidin Sudirohusodo general hospital and its network hospital in Makassar by Nested PCR examination of scale specimens scraped from both groups of patients with each primer to identify species of Malassezia species. Frequency distribution test was then conducted by fisher's exact test.

Results
The results showed 29 patients pityriasis versicolor and 40 patients seborrheic dermatitis. Of the 3 species of Malassezia (M.globosa, M.furfur, M.restricta), with Nested PCR examination only 14 cases of M. restricta were found in pityriasis versicolor patients (48.3%) and 31 cases of seborrheic dermatitis (77.5 %). M. furfur and M.globosa were not found in both groups of patients.

Conclusions and Recommendations
M.restricta was found on seborrheic dermatitis and its prevalence is greater than its finding on pityriasis versicolor. Therefore, antifungals should be considered to be given to patients with seborrheic dermatitis.

Key words: Seborrheic Dermatitis; Malassezia; Nested-PCR; Pityriasis Versicolor