Relationship of Demodex mites in immunodeficiency, rocesea, blepharitis and some clinical findings

Abstract

Objective: Demodex mites are microscopic arthropods that live on the skin of mammals and are obligate parasites. Demodex folliculorum and Demodex brevis are two species known to settle on the skin of humans. Demodex mite infections are called demodicosis. Demodicosis, which is usually asymptomatic, is known to cause some skin diseases as a result of an imbalance in immune system mechanisms This study was conducted to investigate the relationship between Demodex spp. infestations and clinical signs, such as immunodeficiency, rosacea, blepharitis and facial itching, facial flushing, facial tenderness, facial rash, and sunburn. Methods: A total of 350 patients, 178 of whom were immunosuppressed and 172 who were immunocompetent, were included in the study. Samples were taken from the nose, chin, and forehead areas, using the standard superficial skin biopsy method and were examined under a microscope. Results: Demodex spp. was detected in 224 of the 350 patients, including 144 (80.90%) of the 178 immunosuppressed patients and 88 (51.16%) of the 172 immunocompetent patients included in the study. The difference between Demodex spp. positivity in the immunosuppressed patients and positivity in the immunocompetent patients was statistically significant. In addition, a relationship was found between Demodex spp. and some clinical symptoms. Conclusions: Demodex spp. remains a health problem in rosacea and immunosuppressed patients. It was concluded that Demodex spp. should definitely be considered in cases of facial sensitivity, facial rash, and facial flushing in both immunosuppressed and immunocompetent patients, especially in the presence of sunburn in immunosuppressed patients, which was revealed by this study.