Malassezia and the skin: Science and clinical practice

Abstract

This book, written by a group of acknowledged experts, is the first comprehensive overview on the very unusual yeasts of the genus Malassezia. All relevant aspects of the genus and its 13 species are covered in detail within 11 chapters. The first chapter reviews the long and controversial history of the genus, while the second describes all mycological characteristics of the different species, including media and techniques adapted to their isolation, description, and maintenance. Subsequent chapters methodically address issues such as the effect of Malassezia yeasts on human and animal health, and the current therapeutic approaches for Malassezia-induced or -exacerbated diseases. The last chapter provides a summary of data to be presented on a website that will be regularly updated, thus incorporating latest findings. Microbiologists, mycologists, dermatologists, and veterinarians will find this book a useful and up-to-date source of information. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2010.