Midgley, Guého, & Guillot (1996)
Macroscopic morphology
This species is lipid-dependent requiring olive oil for growth on routine laboratory media. Colonies on mDixon agar are raised, folded and rough with a course, brittle texture [927].
Microscopic morphology
Yeast cells are spherical measuring 2.5-8.0 µm. Wet preparations reveal yeast cells with daughter cells being produced from a narrow base. Collarettes resulting from budding scars are not prominent. A structure similar to the pseudo germ tube noted with Candida tropicalis may be noted originating from point of attachment between the mother and daughter cells [924].
Special notes
It may be differentiated from M. obtusa by its cell shape and by its failure to grow at 37°C. It is frequently recovered in addition to other Malassezia spp. from the same source.
In vitro susceptibility data
Susceptibility testing according to NCCLS/CLSI Document M27-A2 is not possible due to the oleic acid requirement of this species.