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Coexistence of Malassezia Species and Microsporum canis in the Lesions of Adult with Tinea Capitis

Summary

A 60-year-old woman developed unusual hair loss and scalp inflammation that looked like dandruff but was actually a fungal infection caused by multiple fungi working together. Doctors found three different fungi in her scalp samples: one dermatophyte and two Malassezia species. Lab experiments showed that the Malassezia fungi actually helped the main disease-causing fungus grow better, which explains why the condition looked different from typical cases. After three months of antifungal medication, her symptoms cleared and her hair grew back.

Background

Tinea capitis is a superficial fungal infection primarily affecting the scalp and hair, predominantly occurring in children but rare in adults. This case presents an unusual adult presentation with coexistence of multiple fungal species including Malassezia and Microsporum canis.

Objective

To report a unique case of adult tinea capitis with concurrent Malassezia and Microsporum canis infections and to investigate the interaction between these fungal species through in vitro co-culture experiments.

Results

A 60-year-old female with tinea capitis showed coexistence of Microsporum canis, Malassezia globosa, and Malassezia furfur. In vitro co-culture experiments revealed that Malassezia appeared to facilitate the growth of Microsporum canis, particularly in mDixon medium, while reverse inhibition was not observed.

Conclusion

Malassezia species may promote the growth and activity of Microsporum canis by consuming long-chain fatty acids, potentially weakening antifungal effects and contributing to adult tinea capitis development. This suggests fungal coinfections may explain atypical clinical presentations in adults.
  • Published in:Infection and Drug Resistance,
  • Study Type:Case Report with Experimental Study,
  • Source: PMID: 38912215, DOI: 10.2147/IDR.S455485
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