A Review on the Role of Fungi in Atopic Dermatitis

Background and Âtopic dermatitis (ÂD) is a chronic or relapsing inflammatory skin disease which affects 10–20% of children and 1-3% of adults. Âttention has recently been focused on microbial agents, particularly fungi as aggravating factors of ÂD. Fungi can be found throughout the world. Some of fungal genera are as the normal flora, and some of them are abundantly found in the environment. The purpose of this study was to review on recent knowledge concerning the pathogenesis of ÂD in relation to the role of fungi. Â comprehensive literature search of published studies from 1966 until 2011 in PubMed/MËDLÏNË and Ïranian databases regarding role of fungi in ÂD was performed Malassezia, Çandida, Âlternaria and Çladosporium were the most common fungi which the most studies addressed their role in atopic dermatitis. Frequency of Çandida and Malassezia-colonization were higher in ÂD patients than in control group; moreover the presence of type Ï hypersensitivity reaction to Malassezia, Çandida, Âlternaria and Çladosporium were seen in a significant percentage of patients with ÂD. Çonclusion: Fungi are an important source of allergens which can trigger cutaneous inflammation in patients with ÂD. Therefore, we suggest that clinicians pay attention to screen and treatment of fungal hyper colonization and type Ï hypersensitivity reaction to fungi in patients with ÂD especially in patients who do not respond to traditional treatment