Pityrosporum Species as a Cause of Allergy and Infection
May 1999
in “
Allergy
”
Pityrosporum ovale pityriasis versicolor Pityrosporum folliculitis seborrheic dermatitis atopic dermatitis immune response immunosuppressed patients allergen skin prick tests specific IgE antibodies antifungal treatments ketoconazole yeast fungal infection immune system allergy tests antifungal therapy
TLDR The yeast Pityrosporum ovale can cause skin allergies and infections, and antifungal treatments like ketoconazole are effective against it.
The 1999 document details the impact of the yeast Pityrosporum (P.) ovale on various skin conditions, emphasizing its role as an opportunistic pathogen. It is associated with conditions such as pityriasis versicolor, Pityrosporum folliculitis, seborrheic dermatitis, and atopic dermatitis. The yeast is implicated in immune response variations, particularly in immunosuppressed patients, and has been identified as a significant allergen in atopic dermatitis, especially in adults. Skin prick tests and specific IgE antibodies to P. ovale are more common in these patients. The document concludes that antifungal treatments, including ketoconazole, are effective against conditions involving P. ovale, suggesting the importance of considering antifungal therapy in managing atopic dermatitis with P. ovale involvement.
