Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 1, 2026
In Vivo Confocal Microscopy: A Standard Operating Procedure for the Detection of Demodex Mites at the Eyelid Margin
Published on: July 3, 2025
Investigation of the relationship between inflammatory blood parameters and rosacea and demodex infestation
Nihal Altunisik1, Dursun Turkmen1, Serpil Sener1
1Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine, Inonu University, Malatya, Turkey.
Background:
Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory disease. Although the etiopathogenesis of the disease has not been established, it is known that inflammation plays a prominent role in the disease. Demodex mites have been thought to have a role in the pathogenesis of rosacea by causing the occurrence of inflammatory lesions. In the literature, many studies have reported that complete blood count (CBC) parameters have been used as diagnostic biomarkers in diseases associated with inflammatory process.
Aims:
The aim of this study was to evaluate CBC parameters in rosaceous patients with and without demodex mite and to compare with healthy controls (HCs).
Patients/Methods:
Ninety patients followed in our clinic between January and October 2019 and 62 healthy controls matching in terms of age and sex were included in the study. CBC parameters of the patients and the HCs were compared, retrospectively.
Results:
There was no statistically significant difference in mean platelet volume (MPV), red cell distribution width (RDW), neutrophil lymphocyte ratio, monocyte lymphocyte ratio, and platelet lymphocyte ratio levels between all patients and HCs. RDW values were significantly lower in demodex (+) rosace group, when compared to demodex (-) rosace group and HCs.
Conclusions:
The lower RDW levels in the demodex (+) group suggested that demodex mite did not have an increasing effect on inflammation and was effective in the disease through alternative pathways.
Insights
Complete blood count (CBC) parameters, including red cell distribution width (RDW), were analyzed in rosacea patients. Lower RDW levels in Demodex-positive rosacea patients suggest mites may influence the disease via non-inflammatory pathways.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Hematology
- Immunology
Background:
- Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin condition with unclear origins.
- Demodex mites are implicated in rosacea pathogenesis, potentially triggering inflammation.
- Complete blood count (CBC) parameters are explored as diagnostic biomarkers for inflammatory diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate CBC parameters in rosacea patients with and without Demodex mite infestation.
- To compare these parameters with those of healthy controls.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of CBC parameters from 90 rosacea patients and 62 healthy controls.
- Comparison of CBC data between rosacea subgroups (Demodex-positive vs. Demodex-negative) and controls.
Main Results:
- No significant differences in mean platelet volume (MPV), neutrophil lymphocyte ratio, monocyte lymphocyte ratio, or platelet lymphocyte ratio were found between patients and controls.
- Red cell distribution width (RDW) was significantly lower in the Demodex-positive rosacea group compared to the Demodex-negative group and healthy controls.
Conclusions:
- Lower RDW in Demodex-positive rosacea suggests Demodex mites may not exacerbate inflammation directly.
- The findings indicate Demodex mites might contribute to rosacea pathogenesis through alternative, non-inflammatory mechanisms.
More Related Videos
07:36Clinical Application of Intense Pulsed Light Therapy and Radio Frequency for Treatment of Ocular Surface Diseases
Published on: July 3, 2025
08:13In Vivo Confocal Microscopy in the Diagnosis and Management of Dry Eye: A Focus on Imaging Protocols and Interpretation
Published on: November 11, 2025