Isolation and Identification of Malassezia globosa, Associated with Dandruff among Female Students of Gombe State University

In the last ten (10) years, different studies have shown interesting geographical variations in the prevalence of different Malassezia species in Pityriasis versicolor. In 200 patients with dandruff, Malassezia species were identified by culture on Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) containing Chloramphenicol to get rid of bacterial contaminants. The isolates were identified by morphological and physiological characteristics. Biochemical tests were carried out, yielding negative esculin hydrolysis test and positive catalase reaction; typical of Malassezia globosa. Microscopically using 10% KOH+ parker blue ink, smear of the samples from 50 patients showed negative while in 150 patients the smear showed characteristic sphagetti and meatball (globose) appearance of hyphal growth and microconidia respectively; the only characteristic microscopic appearance that differentiates M. globosa from other species of Malassezia. In this regard, growth was obtained on PDA and 75% of the isolates obtained were M. globosa.