Final answer:
To investigate Malassezia folliculitis, skin scrapings are often examined using KOH to visualize fungal elements and cultured on Sabouraud dextrose CC agar to identify specific species. The morphology of the fungi on the agar and under a microscope can confirm the diagnosis, guiding appropriate antifungal treatment.
Step-by-step explanation:
Investigating Malassezia Folliculitis
Investigating Malassezia folliculitis, often associated with the common skin condition known as folliculitis, requires accurate diagnosis through dermatologic and microbiological methods. Initial diagnosis is typically made by clinical observation of the symptoms which present as red, itchy, and/or pus-filled bumps at hair follicles. However, to confirm the diagnosis, skin scrapings, hair, or nails can be used to detect fungi responsible for the infection.
To visualize the fungi, specimens are prepared in a wet mount using a potassium hydroxide (KOH) solution, which dissolves keratin and allows for the observation of hyphae and fungal spores. If a fungal infection like Malassezia folliculitis is suspected, the specimen might be cultured on Sabouraud dextrose CC agar, a selective medium that inhibits bacterial growth and supports dermatophyte growth. Here, the macroscopic and microscopic morphology of a culture can aid in identifying the genus of the fungus, with particular characteristics such as the granular texture and coloration indicating specific species like Trichophyton rubrum.
In instances where a fungal infection does not resolve with initial treatment, further steps are taken to identify the specific species of the fungus through culturing and microscopy. Treatments such as antifungal creams or systemic medications are employed based on the specific pathogen identified. The approach should be holistic, potentially involving the avoidance of tight clothing, improved hygiene, and possibly topical antibiotics to prevent and manage folliculitis.