Prevalence and density of Demodex mites (Acari: Demodecidae) in mentally disabled individuals

Authors : Erhan ZEYTUN, Sibel DOĞAN, Engin DOĞANER

Pages : 87-93

Doi:10.47121/acarolstud.1328108

View : 98 | Download : 99

Publication Date : 2023-07-31

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :This study was conducted to determine the prevalence and intensity of D. folliculorum and D. brevis in mentally disabled individuals receiving care and support services in rehabilitation centers in Erzincan province. The study included 217 mentally disabled participants who were receiving care and support services in 7 separate rehabilitation centers operating in the provincial center of Erzincan. Sample materials were taken from the cheek, nasolabial and chin area of each participant by Standard Superficial Skin Biopsy insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(SSSB); method and examined for the presence and number of Demodex mites under a light microscope. In the study, D. folliculorum insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(mean 8.34/cm2); was detected in 58% of mentally disabled people, D. brevis insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(mean 1.26/cm2); in 25%, and Demodex mites insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(mean 9.59/cm2); was detected in 61% of the all participants. When the participants were evaluated in terms of Demodex prevalence, it was determined that D. folliculorum was approximately 2.3 times more common than D. brevis. Similarly, when evaluated in terms of the average number of mites per cm2, it was found that D. folliculorum was about 7 times denser than D. brevis. On the other hand, it was determined that the prevalence of Demodex mites increased as the severity of intellectual disabilities increased, while it was found that the intensity of Demodex was highest in participants with moderate mentally disabled. As a result, it was found that D. folliculorum and D. brevis were widespread and intense in both healthy individuals and mentally disabled individuals, as well as in many patient groups. It was thought that the findings obtained in our study might be useful to consider mentally disabled individuals with dermatological complaints during the clinical evaluation process.
Keywords : Demodex, epidemiyoloji, Erzincan, mental retardasyon