Prevalence of Malassezia on atopic dermatitis patients’ skin and related factors in National Hospital of Dermatology and Venereology from July 2019 to June 2020

Abstract

The study aimed to identify the prevalence of Malassezia in atopic dermatitis patients and describe related factors in the National Hospital of Dermatology and Venereology. This cross - sectional study was implemented from July 2019 to June 2020 on 13142 atopic dermatitis patients. A wet - mount test was performed for all of the subjects to recognize the presence of Malassezia. The results showed that there were 609 patients (accounting for 4.6% of all patients) who had Malassezia on their skin. Malassezia was present in 4.7% of male patients and in 4.5% of female patients, not significantly different (p = 0.59). The prevalence of Malassezia in patients living in rural areas and in urban areas was not significantly different (4.6% vs 4.8%, p = 0.66). Regarding age groups, Malassezia was present in 6% of patients younger than 2 years old, in 2.1% of patients aged 2 - 15 and in 5.5% of patients older than 15 years old. The age group of 2 - 15 was less likely to have Malassezia than the age group older than 15 (OR = 0.37; 95%CI: 0.29 - 0.48). Spring and summer had higher risk of having Malassezia on atopic patients’ skin than winter (OR = 1.32; 95%CI: 1.01 - 1.72 và OR = 1.41; 95%CI: 1.12 - 1.79, consecutively). In conclusion, Malassezia is present in some atopic dermatitis patients. Age groups of 2 - 15 are less likely to have Malassezia. Spring and summer are the seasons having a higher risk of having Malassezia on atopic dermatitis patients’ skin. That information could help dermatologists treat and counsel atopic dermatitis patients.