Demodex (Acari: Demodicidae) Infestation in Patients with KOAH, and the Association with Immunosuppression

This study aimed to determine of the Demodex infestation in patients with KOAH, and the association with immunosuppression. The study included 101 patients who presented to the Clinic of Chest Diseases at the Mengücek Gazi Training and Research Hospital and were diagnosed with KOAH, and 80 healthy controls who were not have any of chronic disease and facial dermatoses. Samples were taken from the right and left cheek using the Standard Superficial Skin Biopsy (SSSB) technique, and examined under light microscopy. Overall, Demodex mites (mean 22.74/cm2) were detected in 87.1% of patients; in 82.2% of patients had D. folliculorum (mean 21.78/cm2) and in 40.6% had D. brevis (mean 4.70/cm2) of infestation. Demodex mites (mean 5.27/cm2) were detected in 27.5% of healthy controls; in 25% of controls had D. folliculorum (mean 5.05/cm2) and in 12.5% had D. brevis (mean 1.5/cm2) of infestation. On the other hand, Demodex density was approximately 3.5-fold higher in patients who were taken immunosuppressive therapy, and the difference between immunosuppression and Demodex infestation was statistically significant. In conclusion, in our study have detected that Demodex infestation in the patients with KOAH was more than controls. In addition to, it has been detected that immunosuppression has been elevated to density of Demodex. It may be helpful to consider these findings in clinical assessment of skin lesions and dermatoses in patients who were taken immunosuppressive therapy