User talk:AMB 132/sandbox

Malassezia sympodialis sandbox feedback
Hi AMB 132,

M. sympodialis seems to be a problematic fungus in terms of human health. This must have been an interesting fungus to research.

I have some comments and suggestions for you, and I hope you find them helpful:

I'm like to see you clarify the relationship between m. sympodialis and the development of atopic dermatitis. Many people have atopic dermatitis, also known as eczema (not atopic eczema - check your sandbox to make sure you are consistent!), so this section will be important! From the way you've written it, my understanding is that this fungus causes eczema (which cannot be true - we don't really know what causes eczema yet, although we have some ideas) and that people with eczema are at higher risk of being infected with m. sympodialis because of their eczema, which causes crusty, itchy skin that sometimes becomes raw and oozy (more moderate to severe types of eczema). Where do people get exposed to m. sympodialis in the first place (you noted that it starts almost from birth), and what does the infection look like and "behave" like in/on a person with eczema? How is it diagnosed and treated? Can you prevent the infection if you are using hydrocortisone creams?

You note that it induces an IgE mediated response in the human body - does it also cause allergic rhinitis (hayfever) type symptoms, or trigger or worsen asthma symptoms in atopic asthmatics? Or is it solely linked to eczema and atopy in that form.

Also in terms of the content on human health effects, you mention the same concepts in 3 different sections. You could easily consolidate this information into one section, with sub-headings if you think it will help readers follow the content.

Where do most m. sympodialis infections occur? Does it grow better in certain climates, or certain countries? Are some populations or occupations at higher risk of infection? Does it grow seasonally (i.e. found in greater abundance during the summer) or year round? These details would add depth.

Finally, I noticed a few typos and grammatical errors throughout - you may want to have a friend review it with you to ensure you catch these!

Good luck!

Clrlpn1 (talk) 00:38, 30 October 2015 (UTC)

Protologue
Simmons, R.B.; Guého, E. 1990. A new species of Malassezia. Mycological Research. 94:1146-1149