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Immune mechanisms in human and canine demodicosis: A review
Umut Gazi1, Aysegul Taylan-Ozkan1,2, Kosta Y Mumcuoglu3
1Department of Medical Microbiology and Clinical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Near East University, Nicosia, Cyprus.
Abstract:
Demodex mites are saprophytic parasites of the mammalian skin, mostly found in or near pilosebaceous units of hairy regions. While they can be found in healthy humans and animals without causing any clinical manifestations, they were suggested to create pathogenic symptoms when they appear in high densities under favourable conditions (ie, demodicosis). Nevertheless, their role as the primary causative agent of the pathogenic conditions in humans is debated today. Canine demodicosis, which is highly prevalent in certain dog breeds, provides a valuable tool for studying the pathogenesis of human demodicosis. Canine and human demodicosis are caused by different Demodex species, and the clinical manifestations in former could be life-threatening. Nevertheless, current literature suggests similar immune responses and immune evasion mechanisms in human and canine demodicosis; cellular immunity appeared to have a central role in protection against demodicosis, and Demodex mites were shown to influence both innate and adaptive immune response to escape immune attack. The aim of this review is to summarize the relevant literature on demodicosis obtained from studies conducted on both organisms, and draw the attention to the effect of mite-associated factors (eg, microbiota) on the different clinical manifestations displayed during human and canine demodicosis.
Insights
Demodex mites can cause skin conditions like demodicosis in humans and dogs. Canine demodicosis research offers insights into human disease, highlighting similar immune responses and evasion tactics.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Parasitology
- Immunology
Background:
- Demodex mites are common skin parasites found in mammalian pilosebaceous units.
- High mite densities can lead to demodicosis, but their role as primary human pathogens is debated.
- Canine demodicosis, though caused by different species, serves as a model for human demodicosis due to shared pathogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current literature on demodicosis in both humans and canines.
- To explore similarities in immune responses and immune evasion mechanisms.
- To highlight the impact of mite-associated factors on clinical manifestations.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature review of studies on human and canine demodicosis.
- Analysis of research on immune responses, including cellular immunity.
- Investigation into Demodex mite interactions with host immune systems.
Main Results:
- Demodex mites influence both innate and adaptive immune responses to evade immune attack.
- Cellular immunity plays a crucial role in protection against demodicosis.
- Canine demodicosis shares immune response parallels with human demodicosis, despite differing species.
Conclusions:
- Comparative studies of human and canine demodicosis provide valuable insights into disease pathogenesis.
- Mite-associated factors, such as microbiota, may influence the clinical presentation of demodicosis.
- Understanding shared immune mechanisms can inform future therapeutic strategies for demodicosis.
