Seasonal Fluctuation in the Incidence of Human Demodex Folliculorum Infection
Smaranda Rodica Goţia1, Persa Ghiţulescu2, Caius Solovan2, Smaranda Laura Goţia1,
Corneluţa Fira-Mladinescu3, and Mioara Crestescu2
Departments of 1Physiology, 2Dermatology, and 3Hygiene, Victor Babeş University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timişoara, Romania
Corresponding author: Smaranda Rodica Goţia
Department of Physiology
Victor Babeş University of Medicine and Pharmacy
2 Eftimie Murgu Street
RO-300041 Timişoara, Romania
Telephone: +40 256 490507
Fax number: +40 256 490507
E-mail: smarandagotia@yahoo.com
CEJOEM 2006, Vol.12. No.1.: 37–41
Key words:
Demodex folliculorum, human infection, seasonal incidence
Abstract:
Large cutaneous infestation by human Demodex folliculorum mites results in local inflammation
and pustules, that is associated with the failing immune system. The aim of the present study was to reveal
seasonal and monthly changes of the incidence of Demodex infestation in patients of a dermatology department
in Timişoara (Romania). We investigated 557 patients (250 in 2003 and 307 in 2004), aged 14–80, with facial
dermatitis. The samples taken from facial lesions were examined under microscope. Of the patients, 36 and
48.54% were Demodex positive with no significant sex differences in 2003 and 2004, respectively. In
elderly patients, mites were found in the wings of nose, forehead, cheeks, and also in the roots of eyelashes.
In the period investigation, the number of patients’ and the incidence of Demodex positive cases increased.
Peaks of Demodex infection were found in springtime and autumn when the environmental humidity was high.
Received: 5 December 2005
Accepted: 17 July 2006
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