Detection of Demodex species in acne vulgaris patients using different diagnostic methods

Demodex is a permanent ectoparasite of the pilo-sebaceous units, related mainly to the facial region. Two species are specific for humans, Demodex folliculorum and D. brevis.Some of these species appear to be associated with variable skin disorders, yet controversy persists concerning this issue. Some reports indicate a connection between acne vulgaris and demodicosis. Aim of the work: to evaluate variable methods to expose Demodex mites. Patients and Methods : A total of 60 cases enrolled in the study were divided into 2 categories; 30 patients with acne vulgaris and 30 healthy volunteers. Samples were collected by three different methods: deep skin scraping, hair epilation and Scotch adhesive tape method. Results: According to deep scraping method that successfully diagnosed all positive cases (14 cases), occurrence of Demodex mites in patient with acne was significantly higher than control (40%&6.7% respectively). All detected mites were D. folliculorum in acne cases and D. brevis in control group. Regarding hair epilation method, one case only of Demodex mites was identified in patients with acne. In contrast,no mites were detected by scotch tape method within the two study groups. Conclusions: Our result found that hair epilation and the ordinary adhesive tape methods were inferior, compared to the deep skin scraping method in diagnosing demodicosis that showed considerably higher occurrence in acne group. Further studies are recommended to explore risk factors behind such occasion.