title: Density of Demodex folliculorum in patients receiving epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Rosacea-like papulopustular eruptions (rash) are considered the most frequent toxicities associated with the use of inhibitors of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). Recently, evidence has been accumulating of infectious complications in patients suffering from these adverse effects.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  We sought to analyze the density of Demodex folliculorum (DF) in cutaneous lesions of patients presenting with EGFR-inhibitor (EGFRI)-induced rashes.
  
  
  METHODS
  This is a retrospective study of 19 adult patients presenting with EGFRI rashes. Patients were reviewed for the density of DF (Demodex density, Dd; mites per square centimeter) by standardized skin surface biopsy.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In our patient collective the mean Dd of 4.7/cm² significantly exceeded the mean Dd reported for the healthy adult population (Dd = 0.7/cm²).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The retrospective nature of the study.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  EGFRI patients have an increased susceptibility to DF colonization or infection, respectively. Our results support the recent concept that EGFRI may induce an impairment of antimicrobial defense mechanisms.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany.
authors.forename: Peter A
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Gerber
authors.forename: Gabriela
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Kukova
authors.forename: Bettina A
authors.initials: BA
authors.lastname: Buhren
authors.forename: Bernhard
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Homey
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000818:Animals; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D066246:ErbB Receptors / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors*; D000069347:Erlotinib Hydrochloride; D005076:Exanthema / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000175:diagnosis; D005260:Female; D000077156:Gefitinib; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008924:Mite Infestations / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000469:parasitology; D008925:Mites; D047428:Protein Kinase Inhibitors / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011799:Quinazolines / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012393:Rosacea / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000469:parasitology; D012867:Skin / Q000469:parasitology*
chemical_list: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D047428:Protein Kinase Inhibitors; D011799:Quinazolines; D000069347:Erlotinib Hydrochloride; D066246:ErbB Receptors; D000077156:Gefitinib