Malassezia furfur is associated with which condition?

Malassezia furfur is associated with which condition?

• A. Trichophyton rubrum
• B. Microsporum gypseum
• C. Candida albicans
• D. Tinea versicolor

Answer: (D)

Malassezia furfur is a lipophilic yeast that causes a superficial skin infection known as tinea versicolor (pityriasis versicolor). It produces hypo- or hyperpigmented patches, typically on the trunk and proximal limbs, especially in hot, humid climates or after sun exposure. The organism thrives in oily skin and is best detected with skin scrapings showing yeast forms with short hyphae in a characteristic appearance, and it is treated with topical or systemic antifungals that target lipid-rich yeasts. The other fungi listed are associated with different conditions: dermatophytes like the one that causes common ringworm and athlete’s foot, or Candida species causing candidiasis, not tinea versicolor.

Malassezia furfur is a lipophilic yeast that causes a superficial skin infection known as tinea versicolor (pityriasis versicolor). It produces hypo- or hyperpigmented patches, typically on the trunk and proximal limbs, especially in hot, humid climates or after sun exposure. The organism thrives in oily skin and is best detected with skin scrapings showing yeast forms with short hyphae in a characteristic appearance, and it is treated with topical or systemic antifungals that target lipid-rich yeasts. The other fungi listed are associated with different conditions: dermatophytes like the one that causes common ringworm and athlete’s foot, or Candida species causing candidiasis, not tinea versicolor.