Malassezia Species: A Rare Cause of Invasive Fungal Infections in Immunocompromised Patients

The members of Malassezia species, which may cause skin disorders in healthy individuals, are associated with both cutaneous and systemic disorders in immunocompromised patients. These disorders include folliculitis, seborrheic dermatitis, catheter-related fungemia, and deeply invasive infections. This review examines not only the risk factors and pathogenesis of this rare fungal infection but also the clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and treatment of Malassezia infections in immunocompromised patients. Reports from several series of immunocompromised patients have shown low mortality rates with appropriate treatment.