فهرست نشریات علمی دسترسی آزاد ایران

Background: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and phenotypic variations of Demodex mites among individuals referred to the dermatology department of Sayad Shirazi Hospital at Gorgan, northern Iran.Methods: A total of 242 participants were sampled, and the collected specimens underwent microscopic analysis to assess the prevalence of Demodex in the studied population. Furthermore, this study examined the risk factors associated with Demodex infestation, as well as the various phenotypes of the mites.Results: The findings revealed that 27.68% (67 out of 242; 95% CI: 22-33%) of the participants were infested with Demodex mites. The age group most affected by Demodex infestation was 21 to 30years, accounting for 11.57% (28 out of 242) of positive cases. No statistically significant correlation was found between Demodex infestation and skin type (P = 0.76). However, individuals with acne exhibited a significantly higher prevalence of Demodex infestation at 16.96% (41 out of 242) compared to 10.74% (26 out of 242) in those without acne (P = 0.0013). Overall, a significant association was noted between the prevalence of Demodex mites and the risk factors of age (P = 0.000003), the use of skin cleansing products (P = 0.002), and the presence of acne (P = 0.0013). The study identified two phenotypes, both classified as Demodex folliculorum.Conclusion: The findings suggest that the use of skin cleansing products is associated with a reduced prevalence of Demodex mites, while the presence of acne is linked to an increased prevalence. Furthermore, a unique indentation observed in the podosomal/opisthosomal connection of Demodex, which differs from previously documented phenotypes, may represent a novel characteristic for phenotypic classification.