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

J Clin Microbiol. 2005 Aug;43(8):4147-51. doi: 10.1128/JCM.43.8.4147-4151.2005.

Abstract

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.

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Levodopa / metabolism
  • Malassezia / metabolism*
  • Melanins / analysis
  • Melanins / biosynthesis*
  • Oxidation-Reduction
  • Silver Nitrate*

Substances

  • Fontana-Masson stain
  • Melanins
  • Levodopa
  • Silver Nitrate