# Pityriasis Versicolor in a Southern Ground Hornbill (Bucorvus leadbeateri)

## TL;DR

A southern ground hornbill developed a skin condition similar to human pityriasis versicolor caused by a yeast called Malassezia slooffiae.

## Contribution

This is the first report of Malassezia sp. causing pityriasis versicolor in birds.

## Key findings

- A southern ground hornbill showed hyperpigmented skin lesions resembling human pityriasis versicolor.
- Malassezia slooffiae was identified as the causative yeast through PCR analysis.
- Histopathology revealed lymphocytic perivascular dermatitis and yeast forms in the stratum corneum.

## Abstract

A 20‐year‐old southern ground hornbill (Bucorvus leadbeateri) developed hyperpigmented macules on its gular pouch, resembling the lesions typically seen in humans with pityriasis versicolor. Cytologic examination revealed over 100 budding yeasts per oil immersion field. Fungal culture showed rare growth of smooth, cream‐colored yeast colonies, identified by PCR as Malassezia slooffiae. Histopathological analysis showed lymphocytic perivascular dermatitis. Periodic acid–Schiff staining revealed rare forms of yeasts between the layers of the stratum corneum. This clinical report provides further insights into the role of Malassezia spp. in the avian skin microbiome. To the authors′ knowledge, this is the first report of Malassezia sp. as an agent of pityriasis versicolor in birds.