[Pityriasis versicolor in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. In vivo morphological data of Malasezzia spp. in 100 cases].
BACKGROUND
Pityriasis versicolor is caused by Malassezia spp. It is a common world wide mycosis. Seven species are known of the Malassezia genus, and are identified in vitro by their morphological characteristics, biochemical tests and by molecular biology.


OBJECTIVE
to determine clinical and epidemiological data of pityriasis versicolor as well as morphological aspects of Malassezia in vivo.


METHODS
we performed a direct examination of the scales and classified the microscopic mycological elements as oval and orbicular spores, short and long hyphae.


RESULTS
pityriasis versicolor mainly affected the thorax. Orbiculare yeasts and short hyphae frequently present. We could corroborate the wide morphological range of Malassezia spp.


CONCLUSIONS
The morphological study of Malassezia spp. in vivo is not sufficient to determine the distribution of the various species.
Arenas
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Departamento de Dermatología, Hospital General Dr. Manuel Gea González, Tlalpan 4800, México DF-14000, México. rarenas98@hotmail.com
Isa-Isa
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Cruz
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