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Efficient isolation and observation of the most complex human commensal, Demodex spp

B M Clanner-Engelshofen1, T Ruzicka1, M Reinholz2

  • 1Department of Dermatology and Allergy, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilian-University Munich, Frauenlobstr. 9-11, 80337, Munich, Germany.

Experimental & Applied Acarology
|September 8, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Researchers developed improved methods for extracting Demodex mites from human skin and accurately detecting dead mites. These techniques will aid further study of these common skin microbes and their role in various skin conditions.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Dermatology
  • Parasitology

Background:

  • Demodex mites are common human skin commensals with a recognized role in skin diseases like rosacea.
  • Limited knowledge exists regarding Demodex mite biology, life cycle, and physiology due to cultivation challenges.
  • Current manual extraction and death detection methods for Demodex mites are laborious and imprecise.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To develop an accelerated extraction method for larger quantities of Demodex mites.
  • To establish a precise method for detecting Demodex mite viability.
  • To facilitate future research, including in vitro cultivation of Demodex mites.

Main Methods:

  • Sucrose gradient centrifugation was employed to enhance mite extraction efficiency from sebum and debris.
  • Propidium iodide staining was utilized for accurate identification of dead Demodex mites.
  • The impact of the new methods on mite survival and movement was assessed.

Main Results:

  • Sucrose gradient centrifugation accelerated Demodex mite extraction by a factor of 10.
  • Propidium iodide staining accurately identified dead mites, distinguishing them from non-moving but viable mites.
  • The staining method showed no adverse effects on overall Demodex mite survival.

Conclusions:

  • The developed sucrose gradient centrifugation and propidium iodide staining offer a significant improvement for Demodex mite research.
  • These methods provide a more accurate assessment of mite viability, overcoming limitations of previous techniques.
  • The improved extraction and viability detection are anticipated to advance research towards in vitro cultivation of Demodex mites.
Keywords:
Fluorescence microscopyMicro-animalMiteViability assay

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