Malassezia (M.) genus includes commensal yeasts of increasing medical importance, as they result in many diseases, ranging from pityriasis versicolor (PV) to systemic infections. Previous studies reported geographical variations in distribution of Malassezia species in PV lesions. The aims of the current study were to define the clinico-demographic features of PV in Tunisia, to characterize Malassezia isolates using phenotypic and molecular techniques and to find out any association between species and clinico-demographic parameters.

In total, 120 PV patients were enrolled in this study. Skin scrapings were collected and inoculated on Sabouraud agar and modified Dixon medium. Malassezia species were identified using conventional phenotypic methods and 26 s rDNA PCR-RFLP. The highest prevalence of PV was observed among young adults’ group. The most affected body areas were the back and neck. In overall, 50.8% and 35% of PV cases had pruritus and history of recurrence respectively. The overall concordance between phenotypic and molecular methods was high (80.95%). The discordant results are rather due to the presence of multiple species in a single culture than true misidentification. Using PCR-RFLP, M. furfur was the most isolated species (38.7%) followed by M. globosa (37.7%), M. restricta and M. sympodialis. No statistically significant association was noted between Malassezia spp. and clinico-demographic characteristics. Unlike many reports from temperate climate countries, M. furfur and M. globosa along together were the most frequently isolated species in Tunisian PV patients. Although phenotypic methods remain simple and cost-effective, molecular techniques are considered as fast and accurate methods for diagnosis purposes.