Detection of Malassezia and Bacterial Species among Females Suffering of Dandruff in Shendi City and Antimicrobial Effect of Aloe Vera against the Isolated Microbes

Abstract

Dandruff is a common scalp condition causing both discomfort and an undesired social image. Various studies dating from the early 1900s have investigated the condition, but an understanding of the underlying mechanisms and etiology of the condition is still in its infancy. Although dandruff isn’t contagious and not serious it may be embarrassing and treatment of it difficult. This is a cross-sectional study conducted on 70 females suffering from dandruff in Shendi city in the period from July to November 2021, aimed to detect the Malassezia and bacterial species among females suffering from dandruff in Shendi city and the antimicrobial effect of Aloe vera against the isolated microbes. Skin swab samples were collected and cultured on both Sabroud dextrose agar containing Gentamicin and blood agar. All isolated organism was Staphylococcus species (S. aureus, S. epidermids), there have no growth of Malassezia species was observed on SDA. The result showed that the age group between (20-24) years was highly affected by age with S. aureus (74%), and S. epidermids (26%), and this condition was observed higher in the rural area representing (84%) of S. aureus and (16%) of S. epidermids. The oily scalp was the most common type of scalp of dandruff (76%) of S. aureus and (24%) of S. epidermids. Staphylococcus species were commonly found with dandruff itching, (73%) of S. aureus and (27%) of S. epidermids, and with the severity of the condition (89%) of S. aureus and (16%) of S. epidermids. Aloe vera extract showed high sensitivity against S. aureus (94%) and S. epidermids (100%). The study concluded that Staphylococcus species (S. aureus, S. epidermids) were the most causes of dandruff, which increased in adult age and distributed among more females from a rural areas. Staphylococcus species are found commonly with dandruff itching and the severity of dandruff. Aloe vera showed high effectiveness against S. aureus and S. epidermids.