Prevalence of ocular demodicosis among patients at Tertiary Care Center, Bangkok, Thailand.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the prevalence of ocular demodicosis by both microscopic examination and molecular detection among patients at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Thai Red Cross Society, Bangkok.


METHODS
One hundred individuals were enrolled in the study and were divided into five age groups. The meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) score and qualities of cylindrical dandruff (CD) were also determined.Demodexmite infestations of eyelash samples were screened by both microscopic examination and semi-nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR).


RESULTS
The prevalence of ocular demodicosis as determined by microscopic examination was 42% [Demodex folliculorum(D. folliculorum) 41% andDemodex brevis(D. brevis) 1%]. Among patients who had ocularDemodexinfestation, 69% have CD and had an average MGD score of 4; in patients without demodicosis, 15.5% had CD and had an average MGD score of 4.12. Prevalence of ocular demodicosis as determined by semi-nested PCR was 79% (D. folliculorum78% andD. brevis1%).


CONCLUSIONS
This is the first report on the prevalence of ocular demodicosis in Thailand. Patients with CD also hadDemodexmites present. Semi-nested PCR is better than microscopy forDemodexinfestation detection. An extensive survey with more representative samples is required to determine the prevalence in the country.
Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand.
Ngamjit
N
Kasetsuwan
Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand.
Kitchaporn
K
Kositphipat
Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand.
Mathu
M
Busayarat
National Institute of Health, Department of Medical Sciences, Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi 11000, Thailand.
Pawanrat
P
Threekhan
Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand.
Kanok
K
Preativatanyou
National Institute of Health, Department of Medical Sciences, Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi 11000, Thailand.
Atchara
A
Phumee
Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand; Excellence Center for Emerging Infectious Disease, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Thai Red Cross Society, Bangkok 10330, Thailand.
Padet
P
Siriyasatien
Demodex brevis; Demodex folliculorum; Thailand; ocular demodicosis; prevalence