Which organism is associated with tinea versicolor?

Which organism is associated with tinea versicolor?

• A. Microsporum gypseum
• B. Epidermophyton floccosum
• C. Malassezia furfur
• D. Candida albicans

Answer: (C)

Tinea versicolor is caused by a lipophilic yeast that colonizes the outer layer of the skin, especially in oily areas. The organism most commonly associated is Malassezia furfur (formerly Pityrosporum ovale). Overgrowth of this yeast disrupts normal pigment production in the skin, leading to the characteristic hypo- or hyperpigmented patches on the trunk and proximal limbs. It is not a dermatophyte, so it differs from organisms like Microsporum gypseum and Epidermophyton floccosum, which cause other tinea infections (ringworm). Candida albicans, another common yeast, is associated with candidiasis rather than tinea versicolor. Diagnosis can be supported by a KOH prep showing yeast cells with short hyphae (often described as spaghetti and meatballs) and by lipid-enriched culture growth; Wood’s lamp may show a yellow-green fluorescence in involved areas.

Tinea versicolor is caused by a lipophilic yeast that colonizes the outer layer of the skin, especially in oily areas. The organism most commonly associated is Malassezia furfur (formerly Pityrosporum ovale). Overgrowth of this yeast disrupts normal pigment production in the skin, leading to the characteristic hypo- or hyperpigmented patches on the trunk and proximal limbs. It is not a dermatophyte, so it differs from organisms like Microsporum gypseum and Epidermophyton floccosum, which cause other tinea infections (ringworm). Candida albicans, another common yeast, is associated with candidiasis rather than tinea versicolor. Diagnosis can be supported by a KOH prep showing yeast cells with short hyphae (often described as spaghetti and meatballs) and by lipid-enriched culture growth; Wood’s lamp may show a yellow-green fluorescence in involved areas.