The biology ofMalasseziaorganisms and their ability to induce immune responses and skin disease

TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction 4 History and taxonomy of the genus Malassezia 5 Biological characteristics of Malassezia organisms 5 Structure 5 Reproduction 6 Biochemistry 6 Distribution of Malassezia organisms on the host 6 Immunological and epidermal responses to Malassezia organisms 7 The immune response to Malassezia organisms 7 Antigen release, penetration and presentation 8 Cell‐mediated immune responses 8 IgG, IgM and IgA responses to Malassezia organisms 9 IgE responses to Malassezia organisms 10 Mast cell responses 11 Epidermal responses associated with Malassezia dermatitis 12 Malassezia organisms as pathogens in humans and animals 13 Diseases associated with Malassezia spp. in humans 13 Pityriasis versicolor 13 Malassezia folliculitis 13 Seborrheic dermatitis and dandruff 14 Atopic dermatitis 14 Malassezia fungaemia 14 Diseases associated with Malassezia spp. in animals 15 Malassezia dermatitis in dogs 15 Predisposing factors for overgrowth of Malassezia pachydermatis 15 Pathogenesis 16 Clinical features 16 Diagnosis 17 Treatment 18 Conclusions 19 References 19