Increased Demodex Density in Patients Hospitalized for Worsening Heart Failure

Infection is an important factor leading to the exacerbation of heart failure (HF), resulting in hospitalization. Demodex species are obligatory parasites in human skin, and increased density was reported in immunocompromised patients. In this study, we aimed to investigate the Demodex density in hospitalized HF patients compared to that of healthy controls.

This study included 36 HF patients and 36 age and sex-matched healthy controls. Five standardized biopsies were taken from the face of participants and assessed for Demodex by a light microscope.

At least one Demodex mite was detected in 20 HF patients and nine of the control group. The number of Demodex mites was significantly higher in the HF group (median 1; min. 0 and max. 10) compared to the control group (median 0; minimum. 0 and maximum. 3). Demodicidosis was positive in 14 of the HF patients. Demodicidosis was not detected in the control group.

This study showed that Demodex positivity is more common in HF patients hospitalized for HF exacerbation. Demodicidosis should be considered in hospitalized HF patients.