The human scalp harbors a vast community of microbial mutualists, the composition of which is difficult to elucidate as\r\nmany of the microorganisms are not culturable using current culture techniques. Dandruff, a common scalp disorder, is\r\nknown as a causative factor of a mild seborrheic dermatitis as well as pityriasis versicolor, seborrheic dermatitis, and atopic\r\ndermatitis. Lipophilic yeast Malassezia is widely accepted to play a role in dandruff, but relatively few comprehensive studies\r\nhave been reported. In order to investigate fungal biota and genetic resources of dandruff, we amplified the 26S rRNA gene\r\nfrom samples of healthy scalps and dandruff-afflicted scalps. The sequences were analyzed by a high throughput method\r\nusing a GS-FLX 454 pyrosequencer. Of the 74,811 total sequence reads, Basidiomycota (Filobasidium spp.) was the most\r\ncommon phylum associated with dandruff. In contrast, Ascomycota (Acremonium spp.) was common in the healthy scalps.\r\nOur results elucidate the distribution of fungal communities associated with dandruff and provide new avenues for the\r\npotential prevention and treatment of dandruff.
Loading....