Malassezia Hyphae Play Possible Roles in the Pathogenesis of Androgenetic Alopecia

The study investigates the role of Malassezia hyphae in androgenetic alopecia (AGA), finding that Malassezia mycelia are present in patients with mild to moderate AGA, accounting for 48.89% of cases. The fungal load is significantly increased in AGA patients and correlates with skin inflammation in the hair loss area. Treatment with antifungal agents reduces skin inflammation and fungal load, leading to the disappearance of M. hyphae and cessation of hair loss. The study suggests that M. hyphae may contribute to the pathogenesis of AGA, although there is no difference in species distribution of Malassezia between AGA patients and healthy individuals, with M. globosa and M. restricta being the most common species.