Skin Rashes Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Skin Rashes, including details on dermatitis, itches, creams, medication, treatment.

Novel application of the masson-fontana stain for demonstrating Malassezia species melanin-like pigment production in vitro and in clinical specimens.

Gaitanis G, Chasapi V, Velegraki A

Mycology Reference Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, Medical School, University of Athens, Mikras Asias 75-77, Goudi, Athens 115 27, Greece.

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.

Published 5 August 2005 in J Clin Microbiol, 43(8): 4147-51.
Full-text of this article is available online (may require subscription).

© 2004-2008 Skin Rashes Research Today. All Rights Reserved.