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Prevalence of Ocular Demodex Infestation in Children: An Epidemiological Survey in South China
Nuan Zhang1, Yan Liu, Kuiyao Wen
1State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Department of Cornea, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.
Insights
Demodex mite infestation was found in 12% of Chinese children aged 3-14. While not causing discomfort, it was linked to lash abnormalities, particularly in older children and during autumn-winter.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Parasitology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Demodex mite infestation is a common ocular condition.
- Eyelash Demodex infestation prevalence and risk factors in Chinese children are not well-established.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of Demodex mite infestation in the eyelashes of Chinese children.
- To identify risk factors associated with Demodex mite infestation in this population.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 1,575 children aged 3-14 years in China.
- Ocular examination and lash epilation for microscopic identification and quantification of Demodex mites.
- Collection of demographic data and lifestyle information.
Main Results:
- A 12.0% prevalence of Demodex mite infestation was observed.
- Demodex folliculorum was the predominant species (11.4%).
- Infestation was associated with lash abnormalities (24.9%) and higher in children aged 7-14 years, during autumn-winter, and in rural areas for younger children.
Conclusions:
- Ocular Demodex infestation is present in healthy Chinese children aged 3-14 years, typically with low mite counts.
- The infestation is linked to eyelash abnormalities, suggesting a need for increased awareness and potential early intervention.
Objectives:
To investigate the prevalence of and risk factors for Demodex mite infestation of the eyelashes in Chinese children.
Methods:
A total of 1,575 children were surveyed from June 2017 to January 2019 and stratified into two age groups: 3 to 6 and 7 to 14 years. All subjects underwent routine eye examination and lash epilation for Demodex mite identification and counting using microscopy. Demographic data and lifestyle habits were also recorded.
Results:
Demodex mites were detected in 189 of 1,575 (12.0%) children, including Demodex folliculorum (D. folliculorum) in 180 (11.4%), Demodex brevis (D. brevis) in 11 (0.7%), and both mites in 2 (0.1%). The median number of D. folliculorum mites was 1 (interquartile range [IQR], 1-2) and that of D. brevis was 1 (IQR, 1-1). Children with Demodex infestation did not exhibit more ocular discomfort than those without (21.2% vs. 23.1%; P=0.56). However, lash abnormalities, including trichiasis, cylindrical dandruff, or scaly discharge at the lash root, were more prevalent in children with Demodex infestation (24.9% vs. 12.8%; P<0.001) and in the 7 to 14-year subgroup (33.7% vs. 12.8%; P<0.001). Multiple logistic regression revealed that autumn-winter was associated with a higher detection rate of Demodex infestation (all P<0.05). In the 3-6-year subgroup, children residing in rural regions exhibited a higher prevalence of Demodex infestation (P=0.03).
Conclusions:
Ocular Demodex infestation, with a low Demodex mite count, was found in healthy Chinese children aged 3 to 14 years.
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