Tinea versicolor is associated with a yeast-like organism named:

• A. Pityrosporium obiculare
• B. Malassezia furfur
• C. Candida albicans
• D. Trichophyton rubrum

Answer: (B)

Tinea versicolor is caused by a lipophilic yeast that colonizes the outer skin layer. The organism responsible is Malassezia furfur, a yeast-like fungus that thrives on oily skin and metabolizes lipids into acids that disrupt normal melanin production, leading to the distinctive light and dark patches on the trunk and shoulders. In older texts you may see it referred to as Pityrosporum orbiculare, but the current name is Malassezia furfur. This organism is different from Candida albicans or dermatophytes like Trichophyton rubrum, which cause other types of fungal infections. Diagnostic clues include a KOH prep showing yeast cells with short hyphae (the “spaghetti and meatballs” appearance) and Wood’s lamp fluorescence (yellow-green) due to pigment production by the organism.