The frequency of Demodex spp in depression patients

Abstract

Objective: Demodex spp., usually located on the human skin, including the face and eyelashes, is a mandatory ectoparasite. Theaim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and factors affecting Demodex spp. in patients with depression.Materials and Methods: In this study, 63 depressed patients and 63 healthy controls were evaluated. To collect samples foranalysis, a drop of glue containing cyanoacrylate was put on a lamella and the lamella was pressed on the certain areas of theface (forehead, cheeks, nose, and chin) for about a minute. Then it was carefully removed and the density of Demodex spp. ina cm 2 was counted under a microscope. For the diagnosis, the presence of fve or more Demodex spp. in a cm 2 was consideredto be positive.Results: In 23.8% of depressed patients (n=15) and in 9.5% of the control group (n=6), Demodex spp. was detected in thefacial area. The presence of Demodex spp. in the facial area of depressed patients was signifcantly higher compared to thecontrol group. When CGI severity scores of patients and the relationship between the severity of depression and the presence ofDemodex spp. were compared, no signifcant difference was detected.Conclusion: Depression may be a risk factor for the infection of Demodex parasites because of impaired immune system aswell as reduction of self-care and hygiene of the person. For the itchy lesions on the face of depressed patients, Demodex spp.infestation should also be taken into consideration.