The importance of Demodex mites density in rosacea

Background and Aim : Demodex mites are microscopic obligate parasite of the human pilosebaceous follicle. Demodex mites are associated with bacteria, both in their gut and on their exoskeleton. Demodex folliculorum and Demodex brevis are known as a microorganism’s vector and maybe have pathological role in some skin disorders like rosacea. Bacillus oleronius and Staphylococcus epidermidis have been isolated from rosacea patients. Rosacea is a chronic disorder affecting the facial convexities, characterized by frequent flushing, persistent erythema and telangiectasia. The aim of present study was assessment of Demodex mites density in rosacea patients and comparing with normal group without rosacea.Methods : According to clinical symptoms, rosacea was diagnosed in ۱۸۶ patients by dermatologist. Control group were consist of ۱۸۶ case without rosacea symptoms. Direct microscopic examination was done from ۱ cm۲ of facial skin sebum. Some references consider the density of more than five mites per cm۲ as a pathogenic criterion.Results : Demodex mites sampling was positive in ۱۳۴ patients (۷۲%) and ۲۶ controls (۱۳.۱%). The average of age in rosacea and control groups were ۳۷.۵ and ۳۴ years old respectively. The average of Demodex density in rosacea group was ۳۹.۱ mites per cm۲.Conclusion : Demodex mites may play an important role in the etiology of rosacea, since Demodex was significantly higher in the rosacea group. It seems high density of Demodex feed on epithelial cells and destroyed skin barrier then triggered a localised pro-inflammatory response.

کلیدواژه ها:

Demodex folliculorum ، Demodex brevis ، Rosacea