title: Novel application of the masson-fontana stain for demonstrating Malassezia species melanin-like pigment production in vitro and in clinical specimens.
abstract: Melanin-like pigment produced in vitro and in vivo by Malassezia yeasts has not been described before. Masson-Fontana staining confirmed accumulation of black pigment on the cell walls of L-dihydroxyphenylalaline (L-DOPA)-cultured Malassezia species. Black pigment was also observed in cells and hyphae from hyperpigmented patient lesions with culture-confirmed pityriasis versicolor and seborrheic dermatitis.
authors.affiliation: Mycology Reference Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, Medical School, University of Athens, Mikras Asias 75-77, Goudi, Athens 115 27, Greece.
authors.forename: George
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Gaitanis
authors.forename: Vassiliki
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Chasapi
authors.forename: Aristea
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Velegraki
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D007980:Levodopa / Q000378:metabolism; D008290:Malassezia / Q000378:metabolism*; D008543:Melanins / Q000032:analysis / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D010084:Oxidation-Reduction; D012835:Silver Nitrate
chemical_list: C051037:Fontana-Masson stain; D008543:Melanins; D007980:Levodopa; D012835:Silver Nitrate