Survey of Human Face Mites Demodex Owen, 1843 (Acari, Demodicidae) in Patients with Blepharitis and Chalazia in Iraq

Abstract

Demodex species are external parasites; they are transmitted via direct contact, and when present in elevated numbers it may induce several ocular diseases. However, the symptoms are very similar to other diseases; hence, its’ role is often neglected. Therefore, an accurate diagnosis is important in order to avoid mistreatment. In this study, infestation rates in both blepharitis and chalazia were compared to an asymptomatic group, with relation to gender, age, personal hygiene, time of year, and residency. All specimens were examined immediately after collection. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between Demodex mites and ocular diseases. These mites were predominantly found in patients with chalazia (62.50%) followed by blepharitis (58.91%), while they were only observed in (22.64%) of asymptomatic patients, statistical analysis showed a significant relationship between infestation and both ocular diseases (P<0.01). The infestation rates increased significantly with age reaching (100%) in patients above 70 years old, and especially during cold months with high humidity. These mites were also found in rural areas (57.59%), followed by urban areas (44.09%) and a significant relationship was found between residency and infestation rate (P≤0.05). However, no significant relationship was found according to gender nor personal hygiene.