Environmental scanning electron microscopy observation of the ultrastructure of Demodex

In this study, numbers of Demodex of hair follicles and sebaceous glands were prepared and the ultrastructure (especially the mouthparts) of Demodex was observed firstly with environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM). The most suitable treatment methods and optimal environmental condition for observing the genus samples were found. The samples were washed with detergent and rinsed with distilled water, and then were taken to the specimen stage, on which there was carbon adhesive tape, using special tools. When the temperature was at 5 degrees C and chamber pressure at 5 mbar respectively, the surface of the samples could be fully imaged without covering water or dehydration. The sample surfaces were plump and clear without postmortem changes and charging artifacts. Detailed information about each part of Demodex was observed by ESEM, and clear three-dimensional images were recorded. The mouthparts of D. folliculorum were composed of a complex set of structures, which included a round oral opening, a sharp oral needle, and a special hypostome that looked like a longitudinal spindle in the central position. On the end segment of palpus, there were seven strong palpal claws located on each side of the mouthparts. D. folliculorum had special piercing mouthparts, while the mouthparts of D. brevis were a simpler structure. We could not observe the oral needle of D. brevis, and there were only five pairs of palpal claws on the end segment of palpus. The offensive organs of Demodex resulted in its pathogenic effects. After studying hundreds of Demodex, we identified both female and male species of D. folliculorum, but only females of D. brevis in our sample.