Epidemiological and Clinical Characteristics of Pityriasis Versicolor among Patients Attending the Dermatology Department of the Libreville University Hospital Centre, Gabon
Charles Vianet Minaël Tchibinda Delicat *
Department of Medicine and Medical Specialties, University of Health Sciences (USS), Libreville, Gabon and Department of Dermatology, Libreville University Hospital Center (CHUL), Gabon.
Roger Hadry Sibi Matotou
Department of Parasitology, Mycology and Tropical Medicine, University of Health Sciences (USS), BP 4009 Libreville, Gabon.
Stephanie Ntsame Ngoua
Department of Medicine and Medical Specialties, University of Health Sciences (USS), Libreville, Gabon and Department of Dermatology, Libreville University Hospital Center (CHUL), Gabon.
Arsène Mounomby
Department of Parasitology, Mycology and Tropical Medicine, University of Health Sciences (USS), BP 4009 Libreville, Gabon.
Amadride Fallon Ngouele
Department of Dermatology, Libreville University Hospital Center (CHUL), Gabon.
Solange Andeme Afene Nzenze
Department of Parasitology, Mycology and Tropical Medicine, University of Health Sciences (USS), BP 4009 Libreville, Gabon.
Boubacar Ahy Diatta
Department of Dermatology, Aristide Le Dantec Hospital, Senegal.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Background: Pityriasis versicolor (PV) is a superficial fungal skin infection associated with Malassezia yeasts. Information on its epidemiological and clinical characteristics in Gabon remains limited.
Objective: To describe PV among patients attending the Dermatology Department of the Libreville University Hospital Centre.
Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted between December 2024 and November 2025. Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics were recorded using survey forms. Skin scales were collected using an adhesive tape method and examined by light microscopy. Data were analysed using SPSS version 20.
Results: A total of 192 patients were included in the study, with a mean age of 32.64 years (range: 10–73 years). The prevalence of Pityriasis versicolor was 2.93%. The 21–30-year age group was the most represented, accounting for 34.4% of cases. The thorax and face were the most common sites of infection, representing 26% and 20.8% of cases, respectively. Humidity was identified as the main predisposing factor, reported in 67.7% of patients. The predominant clinical presentations were initially localised forms (100%), diffuse lesions (39.6%), and fine scaling (37.5%). Malassezia spp. was detected in samples with positive microscopic findings.
Conclusion: Pityriasis versicolor remains a dermatological concern because of its recurrent course and cosmetic effects on affected patients. Malassezia spp. was the yeast genus detected by microscopy in this study.
Keywords: Pityriasis versicolor, Malassezia spp., superficial mycosis, dermatology outpatient services, clinical epidemiology, fungal microscopy, humidity exposure, anatomical distribution