Comparison of the two techniques for measurement of the density of Demodex folliculorum: standardized skin surface biopsy and direct microscopic examination.
BACKGROUND
In daily dermatological practice, many dermatologists do not include demodicosis in their differential diagnoses, or the diagnosis of demodicosis is frequently masked by other skin diseases such as papulopustular or erythematotelangiectatic rosacea, seborrhoeic dermatitis, perioral dermatitis and contact dermatitis. There are two methods for measurement of the density of Demodex folliculorum (Dd): standardized skin surface biopsy (SSSB) and direct microscopic examination of fresh secretions from sebaceous glands (DME). No study has been reported in the literature comparing the diagnostic value of these two techniques.


OBJECTIVE
To compare the value of the two techniques, SSSB and DME, for the measurement of Dd in patients with suspected demodicosis.


METHODS
Mite density was investigated using SSSB and DME in 37 patients with facial skin lesions suggesting demodicosis. Two samples, one for SSSB and one for DME, were obtained from a cheek lesion of each patient.


RESULTS
Twenty-three (62%) patients were diagnosed with demodicosis according to their clinical manifestations combined with a high Dd (Dd > 5 mites cm(-2)) with SSSB and/or DME. In all the patients, the mean Dd measured with SSSB was higher than that with DME (22.9 +/- 5.9 and 2.2 +/- 0.8, respectively; P = 0.001). Also, among the 23 patients with demodicosis, the mean Dd measured using SSSB was higher than the mean Dd with DME (36.5 +/- 8.3 and 3.4 +/- 1.2, respectively; P = 0.0001).


CONCLUSIONS
We recommend the use of SSSB for the measurement of Dd as more patients with demodicosis can be diagnosed with this method compared with the DME method.
Aşkin
U
U
Department of Dermatology, Başkent University Faculty of Medicine, 5. Sokak no. 48, Bahçelievler 06490, Ankara, Turkey. ulkuaskin@gmail.com
Seçkin
D
D
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000818:Animals; D001706:Biopsy / Q000379:methods; D005148:Facial Dermatoses / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000469:parasitology / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008853:Microscopy / Q000379:methods; D008875:Middle Aged; D008924:Mite Infestations / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000469:parasitology / Q000473:pathology; D008925:Mites / Q000254:growth & development; D012867:Skin / Q000469:parasitology* / Q000473:pathology; D055815:Young Adult