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PCR analysis for Wolbachia in human and canine Demodex mites
Sibylle N Borgo1, Elke C Sattler, Michael Hogardt
1Department of Dermatology and Allergology, Ludwig-Maximilian-University, Munich, Germany.
Abstract:
In many skin diseases such as Demodex folliculitis, rosacea- or steroid-induced rosacea Demodex mites are present in abundance and are at least partially held responsible for causing these disorders. Although it is known that these diseases respond well to tetracyclines, it is unclear if this is due to the antiinflammatory effects of the antibiotics or to an antibacterial effect on so far unknown bacteria within the Demodex mites. As in filariasis, where the response to doxycycline can be explained by the presence of Wolbachia within the filarial nematodes, this study was performed to see whether Wolbachia also use Demodex mites as their hosts. Human and canine Demodex mite samples were taken by skin scrapings and tested by PCR for the presence of Wolbachia DNA. Wolbachia pipientis DNA was used as positive control. In none of the DNA extracts, Wolbachia were detected showing no evidence for the presence of these bacteria in Demodex mites. The response of Demodex aggravated or Demodex caused diseases to tetracyclines seems not to be due to the presence of Wolbachia in Demodex mites in contrast to the results seen in filariasis.
Insights
This study investigated if Wolbachia bacteria reside within Demodex mites, which cause skin diseases like rosacea. Researchers found no evidence of Wolbachia in Demodex mites, suggesting tetracycline effectiveness in these conditions is not due to this bacteria.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Dermatology
- Parasitology
Background:
- Demodex mites are implicated in skin conditions like rosacea.
- Tetracyclines are effective treatments, but the mechanism is unclear.
- Wolbachia bacteria in filarial nematodes explain doxycycline response in filariasis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence of Wolbachia bacteria in Demodex mites.
- To determine if Wolbachia in Demodex mites could explain tetracycline efficacy in skin diseases.
Main Methods:
- Human and canine Demodex mite samples were collected via skin scrapings.
- Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) was used to test for Wolbachia DNA.
- Wolbachia pipientis DNA served as a positive control.
Main Results:
- Wolbachia DNA was not detected in any of the tested Demodex mite samples.
- This study provides no evidence for Wolbachia presence in Demodex mites.
Conclusions:
- The therapeutic effect of tetracyclines in Demodex-related skin disorders is unlikely to be due to Wolbachia bacteria within the mites.
- This contrasts with the known role of Wolbachia in filariasis treatment response.