Malassezia (formerly Pityrosoporum) may rarely cause a pneumonia.
Risk factors:
(1) neonate in the NICU
(2) immunosuppression
(3) parenteral nutrition
Fungal cultures may be negative if long-chain fatty acids are not present.
The microscopic appearance may be misinterpreted as a Candida species.
When to suspect:
(1) skin lesions consistent with Malassezia or infected central venous catheter
(2) one or more of the risk factors (above)
(3) yeast seen on smears but routine fungal cultures negative
(4) exclusion of other causes of pneumonia
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Specialty: Infectious Diseases, Dermatology
