Molecular analysis of Malassezia species isolated from three cases of Akatsuki disease (pomade crust)

Abstract

Malassezia spp. which normally colonize on the skin surface, are known as being either the cause or an exacerbating factor in a variety of skin conditions, including pityriasis versicolor, folliculitis, seborrheic dermatitis and atopic dermatitis. We report here three cases of Akatsuki disease (pomade crust). Scales and crusts were collected from the lesional skin and analyzed using a PCR-based non-culture method. Malassezia microflora in Akatsuki disease was compared to that of healthy subjects and atopic dermatitis patients. Samples were collected from upper and lower eyelids (Case 1), an operation scar (Case 2) and parietal scalp (Case 3). DNA was extracted from the scales and nested PCR was performed using specific primers for each species. Our analysis detected only M. obtusa and M. slooffiae in Cases 1 and 3 and only M. slooffiae in Case 2. Our previous data indicated that while M. globosa, M. restricta and M. sympodialis were common in healthy subjects, the two aforementioned species were rare, suggesting that the presence of M. obtusa and M. slooffiae in the subjects in the present study is correlated to the pathogenesis of Akatsuki disease.