PITYROSPORUM ORBICULARE: INCIDENCE AND DISTRIBUTION ON CLINICALLY NORMAL SKIN

Abstract

SUMMARY. In a microscopical and cultural survey of clinically normal skin of patients attending a skin clinic with minor complaints P. orbiculare was found to be present on the scalp in 74%P. ovule was numerically the dominant species in this site but on the trunk P. orbiculare was nearly always the more numerous yeast and was present in more than 90% of subjects. The occasional finding of a few rod or filamentous forms similar to those seen in pityriasis versicolor was noted. This phenomenon was associated with a greater tendency than usual for the yeast to form germ tubes in culture. The significance of this is discussed.