What microscopic appearance is characteristic for Malassezia furfur in skin scrapings?

• A. Spaghetti-and-meatballs appearance (short hyphae with yeast forms)
• B. Budding yeast forms in pseudohyphae
• C. Hyphae with arthroconidia
• D. Round yeast cells in clumps

Answer: (A)

Malassezia furfur has a distinctive look in skin scrapings treated with potassium hydroxide: short, irregular hyphae interlaced with round to oval yeast cells, producing a spaghetti-and-meatballs pattern. This combination—yeast cells along short hyphae—is characteristic of this lipophilic yeast and helps distinguish it from other fungi seen on skin scrapings. Dermathophytes typically show long septate hyphae with arthroconidia, while Candida commonly shows budding yeast with pseudohyphae. The presence of both yeast forms and short hyphae in the same field is what identifies Malassezia furfur.